Dr. Renita Ahluwalia

Dr. Renita Ahluwalia diagnoses and treats a wide range of skin, hair, and nail conditions, including:

Skin Cancers, Precancerous Lesions & Benign Growths

• Dysplastic Nevi (Atypical Moles): Moles that look different from common moles (larger, irregular borders, varied color) and may have a higher risk of developing into melanoma. Often require monitoring or biopsy.
• Actinic Keratosis (Solar Keratosis): A rough, scaly patch on sun-exposed skin that is considered precancerous and can sometimes progress to squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated.
• Seborrheic Keratosis: Common, benign (non-cancerous) skin growths that often appear waxy, scaly, and slightly raised. Can vary in color from light tan to black.

Nail Disorders (Onychopathies)

• Paronychia (Acute & Chronic): Inflammation or infection of the skin fold around the fingernails or toenails, causing redness, swelling, and pain. Can be acute (bacterial) or chronic (often fungal or irritant-related).
• Nail Unit Tumors (Benign & Malignant): Various growths that can occur in or around the nail unit, including benign (e.g., glomus tumor, myxoid cyst) and malignant (e.g., squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma) tumors.
• Lichen Planus of the Nails: Nail involvement in lichen planus, which can cause thinning, ridging, splitting, pterygium formation (scarring from nail fold to bed), or even nail loss.

Acne, Rosacea & Follicular Disorders

• Keratosis Pilaris: A common, harmless condition causing small, rough bumps on the skin, usually on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, or buttocks, due to keratin buildup in hair follicles.
• Hormonal Acne / Adult Female Acne: Acne linked to fluctuations in hormones, often presenting in adult women along the jawline, chin, and neck, and may persist beyond teenage years.
• Folliculitis (Bacterial, Fungal, Non-infectious): Inflammation of hair follicles, often caused by infection (e.g., Staph aureus, Malassezia) or irritation, leading to itchy or painful bumps, sometimes with pustules.

This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific dermatological condition, please consult with Dr. Renita Ahluwalia.

• Teledermatology Consultations (for select conditions & follow-ups): Remote dermatological consultations using secure digital imaging and communication technologies for initial assessment of certain conditions or for follow-up care, enhancing accessibility.
• Diagnostic Mycology (Fungal Scrapings & Cultures): Collecting skin, hair, or nail samples to identify fungal infections through microscopic examination (e.g., KOH prep) or fungal culture.
• Electrodessication & Curettage (ED&C) for Superficial Skin Cancers & Benign Lesions: Surgical procedure to scrape away superficial skin lesions (e.g., some BCCs, SCCs in situ, warts) and cauterize the base.
• Management of Autoimmune Skin Diseases (Lupus, Dermatomyositis, Pemphigus, Pemphigoid, Vasculitis): Diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune connective tissue diseases with skin manifestations and autoimmune blistering diseases, often in collaboration with rheumatologists or other specialists. May involve topical, oral, or biologic therapies.
• Phototherapy (Narrowband UVB, Broadband UVB, PUVA, Excimer Laser): Controlled administration of specific wavelengths of ultraviolet light to treat various skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
• Chemical Peels (Superficial, Medium, Deep - Glycolic, Salicylic, TCA, Phenol): Application of chemical solutions to exfoliate the skin and improve texture, tone, and appearance by treating acne, sun damage, pigmentation, and fine lines. Peel depth varies by agent and concentration.
• Nail Surgery (e.g., Ingrown Toenail Removal/Matrixectomy, Nail Biopsy, Tumor Excision): Surgical procedures to treat painful or diseased nails, including permanent correction of ingrown toenails or removal of nail unit tumors.

Note: This list provides a general overview of medical and potentially some cosmetic services. Treatment plans are highly individualized. Discuss with Dr. Ahluwalia for care relevant to your specific condition. Coverage for services varies; medically necessary treatments are typically covered by provincial health plans, while cosmetic procedures are usually self-pay.

All medical and surgical services (if applicable) are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant dermatological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Hamilton General Hospital, situated within Toronto's University of Toronto, Harbord neighbourhood, serves as a prominent medical facility housing specialized units including the dermatology department where Dr. Ahluwalia practices. The hospital is conveniently accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus) routes, with parking options available nearby—paid parking options are conveniently located. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. The hospital's central location near Kensington Market (access) and the University Settlement Recreation Centre makes it an integral part of Toronto’s healthcare infrastructure, offering comprehensive dermatological services within a modern, well-equipped environment.

Are consultations and dermatological treatments with Dr. Ahluwalia, a Dermatologist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Dermatologist like Dr. Ahluwalia, diagnostic procedures (e.g., skin biopsies), and treatments for provincially insured skin conditions (e.g., psoriasis, severe eczema, skin cancer, infections) are generally covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON when a referral from a family doctor is in place. Purely cosmetic procedures (e.g., Botox for wrinkles, most laser hair removal, fillers for aesthetic enhancement) are typically not covered and are self-pay. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics for any proposed treatment with Dr. Ahluwalia's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) beforehand, especially if there's a potential cosmetic component.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Ahluwalia, a Dermatologist?

Yes, for medically necessary dermatological care covered by the provincial health plan, a referral from your family physician or another specialist (e.g., an ER doctor for an acute issue) is almost always required to see a Dermatologist such as Dr. Ahluwalia. This ensures coordinated care and that your visit is appropriate for specialist assessment. Some dermatologists may offer consultations for uninsured cosmetic services without a referral, but these would be a direct cost to you. Always check with the clinic regarding their specific referral policy.

What is the difference between a Dermatologist and an Esthetician?

A Dermatologist, like Dr. Dr. Ahluwalia, is a medical doctor (MD) who has completed medical school followed by several years of specialized residency training in dermatology. They are qualified to diagnose and treat over 3,000 diseases of the skin, hair, and nails, prescribe medications, perform surgical procedures (like skin cancer removal), and manage complex skin conditions. An Esthetician (or Aesthetician) is a skincare professional trained in cosmetic skin treatments and services that improve the appearance of the skin, such as facials, superficial chemical peels, microdermabrasion, waxing, and makeup application. They are not medical doctors and cannot diagnose skin diseases, prescribe medications, or perform medical or surgical procedures.

How should I prepare for my first dermatology appointment with Dr. Ahluwalia?

To make the most of your first visit with Dr. Ahluwalia, it's helpful to: 1. Make a list of your skin concerns, symptoms (e.g., itch, pain, duration), and any treatments you've already tried (both prescription and over-the-counter). 2. Bring a list of all your current medications, including vitamins and supplements. 3. Be prepared to discuss your personal and family medical history, including any history of skin cancer or significant skin conditions. 4. For a full skin exam, it's best to wear loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to remove and avoid wearing makeup or nail polish. 5. If your concern involves a rash that comes and goes, taking clear photos when it's visible can be very helpful. 6. Write down any questions you have for Dr. Ahluwalia.

What are the general risks and benefits of cosmetic procedures Dr. Ahluwalia might offer?

The benefits of cosmetic procedures offered by a qualified Dermatologist like Dr. Ahluwalia can include improvement in skin appearance, texture, tone, reduction of wrinkles or scars, and enhanced self-confidence. However, all procedures carry some risks. Common risks for minimally invasive cosmetic treatments (like injectables or lasers) can include temporary redness, swelling, bruising, pain, or itching at the treatment site. Less common risks might include infection, allergic reaction, changes in skin pigmentation, or unsatisfactory results. More invasive procedures have different risk profiles. Dr. Ahluwalia will discuss the specific risks, benefits, and expected outcomes of any proposed cosmetic procedure in detail during your consultation to help you make an informed decision.

Hamilton General Hospital
76 Grenville Street, Department of Anesthesia
Toronto, ON M5S 1B2

Phone: (416) 323-6400 | Fax: (416) 323-7314

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Ahluwalia is a licensed Dermatologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from a family physician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Ahluwalia for medically necessary services covered by the provincial health plan. Cosmetic consultations may have different requirements.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Ahluwalia-Renita/0250191-88764