About
Dr. Wingfield Ellis Rehmus is a specialized Pediatric Dermatologist, dedicated to diagnosing and treating skin, hair, and nail conditions in infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at the Dermatology Clinic at BC Children's Hospital 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), ensuring that her practice maintains the utmost quality and professionalism. Her focus is on providing comprehensive, compassionate, and effective dermatological care tailored specifically to the unique needs of young patients, fostering a welcoming environment for children and their families.
She holds a Medical Degree from Duke University Medical Center in the United States and is certified as a Pediatric Dermatologist, holding recognition from the relevant certifying bodies. Her certifications include those acknowledged by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), along with additional specialized credentials that affirm her expertise in pediatric skin care.
Dr. Rehmus's clinical philosophy centers on delivering gentle, effective care for children's skin conditions, emphasizing family education and support. She strives to create a child-friendly environment, collaborating with pediatricians and other healthcare providers to ensure holistic care. Fluent in English, she is committed to serving the Vancouver community with dedication and professionalism, always prioritizing the comfort and well-being of her young patients.
Dr. Wingfield Rehmus diagnoses and treats a wide range of skin, hair, and nail conditions, including:
Common & Specific Pediatric Skin Conditions
- 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.
- Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome (Papular Acrodermatitis of Childhood): A distinctive rash often following a viral infection in young children, characterized by symmetric, non-itchy, flat-topped papules on the face, buttocks, and limbs.
Skin Infections & Infestations
- Scabies: An intensely itchy skin infestation caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, which burrows into the skin, often worse at night. Highly contagious.
- 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.
Inflammatory & Immune-Mediated Skin Conditions
- Dermatitis Herpetiformis: An intensely itchy, blistering rash often associated with celiac disease (gluten sensitivity), typically appearing on elbows, knees, buttocks, and scalp.
- Lichen Planus: An inflammatory condition that can affect the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes (mouth, genitals), causing purplish, itchy, flat-topped bumps on the skin or lacy white patches in the mouth.
- 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).
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific dermatological condition, please consult with Dr. Wingfield Rehmus.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Diaper Dermatitis (Nappy Rash) & Cradle Cap (Infantile Seborrheic Dermatitis) Management: Guidance on prevention and treatment of common infant skin conditions.
Note: This list provides a general overview of medical and potentially some cosmetic services. Treatment plans are highly individualized. Discuss with Dr. Rehmus 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.
Dermatology Clinic at BC Children's Hospital is situated within Vancouver's vibrant Shaughnessy neighborhood, specifically in the Arbutus Ridge South area. The clinic is located in a dedicated medical facility on the hospital campus, serving as a specialized unit of BC Children's Hospital. The surrounding area features a bustling Shopping District with various retail outlets, cafes, and services. Easily accessible via public transit, the clinic is well-connected through TransLink's SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, Canada Lines), bus routes, SeaBus, and West Coast Express at Waterfront Station. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, offering flexible options for visitors traveling by car. The clinic provides a welcoming, child-friendly environment designed to meet the unique dermatological needs of infants, children, and adolescents, while supporting families with comprehensive care and guidance.
- Are consultations and dermatological treatments with Dr. Rehmus, a Pediatric Dermatologist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Pediatric Dermatologist like Dr. Rehmus, 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. Rehmus's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP) beforehand, especially if there's a potential cosmetic component.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Rehmus, 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. Rehmus. 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 are the general risks and benefits of cosmetic procedures Dr. Rehmus might offer?
- The benefits of cosmetic procedures offered by a qualified Pediatric Dermatologist like Dr. Rehmus 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. Rehmus 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.
- When would my child need to see a Pediatric Dermatologist like Dr. Rehmus who specializes in pediatric dermatology?
- Dr. Rehmus 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.
Dermatology Clinic at BC Children's Hospital
K4-100 4480 Oak St
Vancouver, BC V6H 3V4
Phone: (604) 875-2606 | Fax: (604) 875-3076 | Website: http://www.bcchildrens.ca/Services/SpecializedPediatrics/Dermatology/default.htm
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Rehmus 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. Rehmus 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/335637/Rehmus%2CWingfield