About
Dr. Sheila Au is a specialized Pediatric Dermatologist, dedicated to diagnosing and treating skin, hair, and nail conditions in infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at a dermatology clinic in Vancouver, BC, she is a key member of the local medical community. She adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Her focus is on managing a broad spectrum of pediatric skin conditions, utilizing gentle and effective treatments tailored specifically for young patients. The clinic provides a welcoming, child-friendly environment equipped to address the unique dermatological needs of infants, children, and adolescents.
Dr. Au graduated with an MD from the University of Ottawa and holds specialty certification as a Pediatric Dermatologist. She has earned key certifications including those from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, affirming her expertise and commitment to excellence in pediatric skin care.
Her clinical philosophy centers on providing compassionate, gentle, and effective dermatological care for children. Dr. Au emphasizes family education and support, creating a warm, child-friendly environment. She collaborates closely with pediatricians and other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care for her young patients. Fluent in English, she is dedicated to serving families in Vancouver with personalized attention and professionalism.
Dr. Sheila Au diagnoses and treats a wide range of skin, hair, and nail conditions, including:
Common & Specific Pediatric Skin Conditions
- Diaper Dermatitis (Diaper Rash - Irritant, Allergic, Candidal): Inflammation of the skin in the diaper area, commonly caused by prolonged wetness, friction, irritants, or secondary yeast/bacterial infection.
- Infantile Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cradle Cap): A common condition in newborns and infants causing greasy, yellowish, scaly patches on the scalp, and sometimes face or skin folds.
- Congenital Melanocytic Nevi (Birthmark Moles): Moles present at birth or appearing shortly after, varying in size. Larger lesions may carry a slightly increased risk of melanoma and require monitoring.
Acne, Rosacea & Follicular Disorders
- 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.
- 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.
- Hidradenitis Suppurativa (Acne Inversa): A chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin condition featuring painful, deep-seated lumps, abscesses, sinus tracts, and scarring, typically in areas where skin rubs together (axillae, groin, under breasts).
Skin Infections & Infestations
- Herpes Simplex (Cold Sores/Fever Blisters, Genital Herpes) & Herpes Zoster (Shingles): Viral infections causing painful, grouped blisters. Herpes simplex typically affects the mouth or genitals. Herpes zoster (shingles) is a reactivation of the chickenpox virus causing a painful unilateral rash.
- Fungal Infections (Tinea Corporis/Ringworm, Pedis/Athlete's Foot, Cruris/Jock Itch, Capitis/Scalp, Onychomycosis/Nails, Candidiasis): Infections caused by dermatophyte fungi or yeasts, affecting skin, hair, or nails, presenting with rash, scaling, itching, or nail changes.
- Head Lice (Pediculosis Capitis): Infestation of the scalp by tiny parasitic insects, causing itching and visible nits (eggs) attached to hair shafts.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific dermatological condition, please consult with Dr. Sheila Au.
- Genetic Skin Disorders (Genodermatoses) Consultation & Multidisciplinary Management: Diagnosis and supportive care for inherited skin conditions in children (e.g., ichthyosis, epidermolysis bullosa), often in collaboration with geneticists and other specialists.
- Treatment of Common Pediatric Skin Infections (Warts, Molluscum, Impetigo, Fungal Infections): Age-appropriate management of viral (e.g., warts, molluscum), bacterial (e.g., impetigo), and fungal (e.g., tinea capitis) skin infections common in children.
- Diagnosis & Management of Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) in Infants & Children: Specialized care for eczema in infants and children, including comprehensive education on skin care, trigger avoidance, and advanced therapies for severe cases.
- Acne Treatment in Adolescents & Pre-Adolescents: Tailored acne management plans for teenage and younger patients, considering efficacy, safety, and psychosocial impact, including topical and oral therapies.
- Diaper Dermatitis (Nappy Rash) & Cradle Cap (Infantile Seborrheic Dermatitis) Management: Guidance on prevention and treatment of common infant skin conditions.
- Pediatric Psoriasis Management: Specialized treatment approaches for psoriasis in children, which may include topical therapies, phototherapy, and systemic medications in select cases.
- Evaluation & Management of Birthmarks (Vascular & Pigmented Nevi): Assessment, monitoring, and treatment options (e.g., laser therapy for port-wine stains, propranolol for infantile hemangiomas) for various types of birthmarks.
Note: This list provides a general overview of medical and potentially some cosmetic services. Treatment plans are highly individualized. Discuss with Dr. Au 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 British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant dermatological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Dr. Sheila Au practices at a dermatology clinic located in Vancouver's Downtown Vancouver (West End South) neighbourhood, within a modern medical building close to the Vancouver Art Gallery and Hotel Vancouver. The facility is easily accessible via public transit, including TransLink's SkyTrain Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines, as well as bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express services at Waterfront station. The clinic is wheelchair accessible and provides accessible entry points. Metered street parking and nearby parking lots are available for patients and visitors, ensuring convenient access for families.
- Are consultations and dermatological treatments with Dr. Au, a Pediatric Dermatologist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Pediatric Dermatologist like Dr. Au, 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 Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC 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. Au's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP) beforehand, especially if there's a potential cosmetic component.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Au, a Pediatric 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 Pediatric Dermatologist such as Dr. Au. 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.
- When would my child need to see a Pediatric Dermatologist like Dr. Au who specializes in pediatric dermatology?
- Dr. Au specializes in diagnosing and treating skin, hair, and nail conditions in infants, children, and adolescents. Common reasons for referral include severe or persistent eczema not responding to standard care, complex or widespread birthmarks (e.g., large hemangiomas), genetic skin disorders (genodermatoses), unusual or blistering rashes, severe acne in pre-teens or teens, resistant warts or molluscum, or any concerning skin lesion. She provides specialized, age-appropriate dermatological care, understanding the unique aspects of skin conditions in growing children.
- What are the general risks and benefits of cosmetic procedures Dr. Au might offer?
- The benefits of cosmetic procedures offered by a qualified Pediatric Dermatologist like Dr. Au 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. Au 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.
518-1033 Davie St, PHC Dermatology Centre
Vancouver, BC V6E 1M7
Phone: (604) 806-9409 | Fax: (604) 806-9356
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Au is a licensed Pediatric Dermatologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or pediatrician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Au for pediatric dermatological services covered by the provincial health plan.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/312885/Au%2CSheila