Dr. Sylvia Gundega Garnis-Jones 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 a dermatology clinic in Kelowna, BC, 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 practice is committed to delivering evidence-based dermatological care in a welcoming and professional environment, utilizing advanced diagnostic tools and therapeutic options.
Dr. Garnis-Jones graduated with an MD CM from McGill University in Canada and holds specialty certification as a Dermatologist. She is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, ensuring adherence to rigorous standards of medical excellence and professionalism. Her training includes extensive residency and specialized education in dermatology, equipping her with the expertise to manage complex skin conditions.
Her clinical philosophy centers on evidence-based skin care, patient education on skin health and prevention, early detection of skin cancers, and personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs. She is committed to providing thorough, compassionate care to her patients in Kelowna. In addition to English, she speaks French fluently, enabling her to serve a diverse patient population effectively.
Dr. Sylvia Garnis-Jones diagnoses and treats a wide range of skin, hair, and nail conditions, including:
Nail Disorders (Onychopathies)
- Ingrown Toenails (Onychocryptosis): A condition where the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh, causing pain, redness, swelling, and potential infection.
- Nail Psoriasis: Psoriasis affecting the fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, discoloration (oil drop sign), thickening, onycholysis (separation from bed), and subungual hyperkeratosis.
- 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).
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.
- 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.
Skin Cancers, Precancerous Lesions & Benign Growths
- Skin Cysts (Epidermoid, Pilar, Sebaceous): Benign, sac-like growths under the skin containing fluid or semi-solid material. May become inflamed or infected and sometimes require removal.
- 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.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific dermatological condition, please consult with Dr. Sylvia Garnis-Jones.
- 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.
- Mohs Micrographic Surgery for High-Risk Skin Cancers: Specialized surgical technique for removing complex or high-risk skin cancers (especially on the head, neck, hands, feet, genitals) with maximal tissue preservation by examining 100% of the surgical margin intraoperatively.
- 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).
- 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.
- Patch Testing for Allergic Contact Dermatitis (Standard & Expanded Panels): Diagnostic procedure to identify specific allergens causing contact dermatitis by applying small amounts of common (and sometimes occupational or specialized) allergens to the skin.
- Medical-Grade Facials & Skincare Consultations: Professional facial treatments tailored to specific skin concerns and expert advice on developing an optimal at-home skincare regimen using medical-grade products.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy (for Skin Rejuvenation & Hair Loss): Utilizing a concentration of a patient's own platelets to promote tissue repair and regeneration, used for facial rejuvenation (e.g., with microneedling) and to stimulate hair growth in certain types of alopecia.
Note: This list provides a general overview of medical and potentially some cosmetic services. Treatment plans are highly individualized. Discuss with Dr. Garnis-Jones 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. Garnis-Jones practices at a well-equipped dermatology clinic located in the central Kelowna area, within a modern medical building in the South Pandosy neighborhood. The facility is conveniently accessible via public transit, with the Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit) serving the area regularly. The clinic is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of entry for all patients. Ample parking options are available, including metered street parking and nearby parking lots, making visits straightforward and stress-free for patients from Kelowna and surrounding communities.
- Are consultations and dermatological treatments with Dr. Garnis-Jones, a Dermatologist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Dermatologist like Dr. Garnis-Jones, 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. Garnis-Jones's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP) beforehand, especially if there's a potential cosmetic component.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Garnis-Jones, 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. Garnis-Jones. 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. Garnis-Jones recommend?
- While specific brand recommendations can vary, Dr. Garnis-Jones 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. Garnis-Jones can provide personalized recommendations based on your skin type and lifestyle during your consultation.
- What does a Dermatologist like Dr. Garnis-Jones specialize in?
- A Dermatologist, such as Dr. Garnis-Jones, 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. Garnis-Jones offers various medical, surgical, and potentially cosmetic treatments depending on their practice focus.
- If Dr. Garnis-Jones 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. Garnis-Jones 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. Garnis-Jones performs?
- Dermatologists like Dr. Garnis-Jones 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. Garnis-Jones can discuss specific procedures relevant to your condition and may have subspecialty interests influencing the range of procedures offered.
- When should someone consider seeing a Dermatologist like Dr. Garnis-Jones?
- A referral to a Dermatologist like Dr. Garnis-Jones 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.
203-1447 Ellis St
Kelowna, BC V1Y 2A3
Phone: (236) 420-1626 | Fax: (604) 380-4411 | Website: http://www.dermatologiemedispa.ca/
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Garnis-Jones is a licensed 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 is typically required for consultations with Dr. Garnis-Jones 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 British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/304089/Garnis-Jones%2CSylvia