Dr. Shanna Spring – Dermatologist | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Shanna Spring 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 Womens College Hospital in Ottawa, 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. Her approach emphasizes evidence-based medicine delivered in a supportive and patient-centered environment, utilizing modern diagnostic tools and therapeutic options.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto (Canada) and has been practicing as a Dermatologist since 2014, amassing over 10 years of experience in skin care. Dr. Spring is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), license number 90875. Her extensive training and certification ensure adherence to the highest standards of clinical practice and patient safety.

With a strong commitment to evidence-based care, Dr. Spring emphasizes patient education on skin health and prevention strategies. She is dedicated to early detection of skin cancers, management of chronic skin conditions, and personalized treatment planning tailored to each patient’s needs. She provides care primarily in English and strives to foster a trusting and informative relationship with her patients in Ottawa, ensuring they are well-informed and comfortable with their treatment options.

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

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.
• 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.
• 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.

Nail Disorders (Onychopathies)

• Nail Psoriasis: Psoriasis affecting the fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, discoloration (oil drop sign), thickening, onycholysis (separation from bed), and subungual hyperkeratosis.
• Onychomycosis (Fungal Nail Infection): A common infection of the toenails or fingernails by fungi, causing discoloration, thickening, brittleness, and separation from the nail bed.
• 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.

Inflammatory & Immune-Mediated Skin Conditions

• 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.
• Psoriasis (Plaque, Guttate, Inverse, Pustular, Erythrodermic): An autoimmune disease characterized by patches of abnormal skin that are typically red, itchy, and scaly due to rapid skin cell turnover. Can also affect nails and joints (psoriatic arthritis).
• Urticaria (Hives) & Angioedema: Urticaria consists of itchy welts (wheals) that can appear anywhere on the body. Angioedema is a deeper swelling, often affecting eyelids and lips. Can be acute or chronic.

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

• Comprehensive Dermatological Consultation & Full Body Skin Examination: In-depth assessment of conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails, including review of medical history, complete skin examination (including scalp, nails, and mucous membranes), diagnostic testing, and personalized treatment planning.
• 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.
• Laser & Light-Based Treatments (IPL, Fractional Lasers, Ablative/Non-Ablative Resurfacing, Vascular Lasers, Pigment Lasers): Utilizing various laser (e.g., CO2, Erbium, Pulsed Dye, Nd:YAG, Alexandrite, Picosecond) and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technologies for skin rejuvenation, wrinkle reduction, scar improvement, hair removal, treatment of vascular lesions (e.g., spider veins, rosacea, port-wine stains), and pigmented lesions (e.g., sun spots, tattoo removal).
• Cosmetic Mole Removal & Skin Tag Removal: Removal of benign moles or skin tags for aesthetic reasons, typically after dermatoscopic confirmation that the lesion is not suspicious for cancer.
• 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).
• Scar Revision Surgery & Keloid Treatment (Surgical, Intralesional Injections): Procedures to improve the appearance of scars or treat problematic keloid scars, which may involve surgical excision, steroid injections, or other modalities.

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

Womens College Hospital in Ottawa is situated within the Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, and Billings Bridge neighbourhoods. The hospital serves as a vital medical facility with a dedicated dermatology unit. It is conveniently located near Ottawa City Hall (Lisgar St entrance) and the University of Ottawa. The area is well-served by public transit, including OC Transpo (O-Train LRT and buses), making access straightforward for patients. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of entry for individuals with mobility needs. Parking is available at or near the hospital, providing convenient options for those arriving by private vehicle. This location is a trusted centre for specialized dermatological care within Ottawa's healthcare landscape.

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

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Dermatologist like Dr. Spring, 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. Spring'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. Spring, 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. Spring. 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 kind of sunscreen does Dr. Spring recommend?

While specific brand recommendations can vary, Dr. Spring would likely advise choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or higher. For daily use, a lighter formulation might be preferred, while for prolonged outdoor activities, water-resistant sunscreen is important. Consider your skin type: individuals with sensitive skin might prefer mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. The most important thing is to apply sunscreen generously and reapply it every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating. Dr. Spring can provide personalized recommendations based on your skin type and lifestyle during your consultation.

If Dr. Spring recommends phototherapy, what does that involve?

Phototherapy, also known as light therapy, is a medical treatment where your skin is exposed to specific wavelengths of ultraviolet (UV) light under strict medical supervision. Dr. Spring might recommend it for conditions like psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, or cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Treatments are typically given 2-3 times a week in a specialized light cabinet or with a handheld device for smaller areas. The type of UV light (e.g., Narrowband UVB, PUVA) and treatment duration are carefully controlled. It works by reducing inflammation and slowing down the rapid growth of skin cells. You'll be given specific instructions, including eye protection.

What are some common medical procedures a Dermatologist like Dr. Spring performs?

Dermatologists like Dr. Spring perform a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Common medical procedures include skin biopsies (punch, shave, or excisional) to diagnose conditions, cryosurgery (freezing with liquid nitrogen) for warts or precancerous spots (actinic keratoses), surgical excision of skin cancers or benign lesions like cysts and atypical moles, intralesional injections (e.g., for keloids or alopecia areata), and prescribing specialized topical or oral medications (including biologics or immunosuppressants for complex conditions). Many dermatologists also offer phototherapy. Dr. Spring can discuss specific procedures relevant to your condition and may have subspecialty interests influencing the range of procedures offered.

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

The benefits of cosmetic procedures offered by a qualified Dermatologist like Dr. Spring 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. Spring 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.

Womens College Hospital
401 Smyth Road
Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1

Phone: (613) 737-7600 | Fax: (613) 738-4298

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Spring 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. Spring 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/Spring-Shanna/0258025-90875