Dr. Shakti Sharma – Dermatologist | Thornhill, ON

Dr. Shakti Sharma is a dedicated Dermatologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide array of conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails in adult patients, and may see older children for certain conditions. Practicing at Ross Memorial Hospital in Thornhill, ON, she is a key member of the local medical community. She provides comprehensive medical and surgical dermatological care for a wide variety of skin, hair, and nail conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, and skin cancer detection. Dr. Sharma's practice is committed to delivering evidence-based dermatological care in a respectful and supportive environment, utilizing modern diagnostic and therapeutic equipment to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from Punjabi University in India and has over 20 years of experience as a Dermatologist since 2004. Dr. Sharma is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), with license number 73686, affirming her adherence to the highest standards of medical practice and ethics in Ontario.

With a strong focus on patient education, early detection of skin cancers, and personalized treatment plans, Dr. Sharma is dedicated to supporting her patients' skin health. She emphasizes evidence-based skin care and prevention strategies, and she speaks Hindi and Telugu in addition to English to serve her diverse patient community in Thornhill.

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

Skin Cancers, Precancerous Lesions & Benign Growths

• Lipomas: Benign tumors composed of fat tissue, usually soft, movable, and painless, located just beneath the skin.
• 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.
• Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common type of skin cancer, typically slow-growing and arising from sun-exposed skin, appearing as a pearly or waxy bump, flat flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesion, or a bleeding/scabbing sore.

Inflammatory & Immune-Mediated Skin Conditions

• Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (Discoid, Subacute, Acute): Skin manifestations of lupus, an autoimmune disease, which can range from scaly, disc-shaped lesions to widespread rashes triggered by sun exposure.
• Rosacea (Erythematotelangiectatic, Papulopustular, Phymatous, Ocular): A common skin condition that causes redness, visible blood vessels, flushing, and sometimes small, red, pus-filled bumps on the face. Can also affect the eyes.

Acne, Rosacea & Follicular Disorders

• 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.
• Acne Scars (Atrophic, Hypertrophic, Keloidal): Permanent textural changes and indentations (atrophic), raised scars (hypertrophic), or overgrown scars (keloidal) that can result from severe or picked acne.

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

• Sclerotherapy for Spider & Small Varicose Veins: Injectable treatment (e.g., with polidocanol or hypertonic saline) to eliminate small, unsightly veins (telangiectasias and reticular veins) primarily on the legs.
• Hidradenitis Suppurativa Management (Medical, Interventional, Biologics): Medical (antibiotics, retinoids), interventional (incision & drainage, deroofing), and biologic therapy for a chronic inflammatory skin condition causing painful lumps, abscesses, and sinus tracts in skin folds.
• Treatment for Skin Infections (Bacterial, Fungal, Viral, Parasitic): Diagnosis and treatment of various skin infections, such as impetigo, cellulitis, erysipelas, ringworm (tinea), athlete's foot, nail fungus (onychomycosis), warts, molluscum contagiosum, herpes simplex/zoster, and scabies.
• Botulinum Toxin Injections (e.g., Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin®) for Wrinkles & Hyperhidrosis: Injectable treatments to temporarily relax facial muscles and reduce dynamic wrinkles (e.g., frown lines, crow's feet, forehead lines), or to treat excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).
• Surgical Excision of Skin Cancers (Melanoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma) with Margin Control: Complete surgical removal of malignant skin tumors with appropriate microscopic or clinical margins to ensure clearance, often followed by reconstructive closure.
• Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating) Treatment (Topical, Oral, Botulinum Toxin): Management options for excessive sweating of the underarms, palms, or soles, including prescription antiperspirants, oral medications, and botulinum toxin injections.
• Psoriasis & Psoriatic Arthritis Management (Topical, Phototherapy, Systemic, Biologics, JAK inhibitors): Comprehensive management of psoriasis (plaque, guttate, pustular, erythrodermic) and associated psoriatic arthritis, using topical treatments, narrowband UVB or PUVA phototherapy, oral systemic medications (e.g., methotrexate, cyclosporine), and advanced biologic therapies or JAK inhibitors targeting specific immune pathways.

Note: This list provides a general overview of medical and potentially some cosmetic services. Treatment plans are highly individualized. Discuss with Dr. Sharma 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.

Ross Memorial Hospital, located in Thornhill's central areas near the neighbourhood of Thornhill, serves as a key medical facility with a specialized dermatology unit. The hospital is easily accessible via local public transit, making it convenient for patients from Thornhill and surrounding areas. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, providing flexible and accessible parking for visitors. This hospital's dermatology department offers comprehensive skin care services in a modern, patient-friendly environment, dedicated to delivering quality care close to home.

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

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Dermatologist like Dr. Sharma, 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. Sharma'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. Sharma, 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. Sharma. 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 does a Dermatologist like Dr. Sharma specialize in?

A Dermatologist, such as Dr. Sharma, is a medical doctor with highly specialized training in diagnosing and treating over 3,000 conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails in patients of all ages – from newborns to seniors. This includes a wide spectrum of diseases from common issues like acne, eczema, and psoriasis, to more complex conditions like skin cancer, autoimmune skin disorders (e.g., lupus, pemphigus), severe allergic reactions, and genetic skin diseases. She is a Dermatologist specializing in the comprehensive medical and surgical care of skin, hair, and nail conditions. Dr. Sharma offers various medical, surgical, and potentially cosmetic treatments depending on their practice focus.

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

To make the most of your first visit with Dr. Sharma, 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. Sharma.

When should someone consider seeing a Dermatologist like Dr. Sharma?

A referral to a Dermatologist like Dr. Sharma is often recommended by a family physician for: any new or changing moles or skin growths; persistent or severe skin rashes (e.g., eczema, psoriasis) not responding to initial treatments; severe or cystic acne; chronic hives; significant hair loss or scalp disorders; problematic nail conditions (e.g., persistent fungal infections, unusual changes); suspected skin infections; or for expert skin cancer screening, especially if you have risk factors like a personal or family history of skin cancer, numerous moles, or significant sun exposure. Early consultation can be key for effective management and diagnosis.

Ross Memorial Hospital
7117 Bathurst Street
Thornhill, ON L4J 2J6

Phone: (905) 763-2526 | Fax: (905) 763-8595

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Sharma 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. Sharma 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/Sharma-Shakti/0158894-73686