Dr. Zaki Taher 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 Lucere Dermatology & Laser Clinic in Edmonton, AB, he is a key member of the local medical community. He adheres to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring high-quality, safe, and effective dermatological care. Dr. Taher provides comprehensive medical and surgical dermatological services for a broad spectrum of skin, hair, and nail issues, including common concerns such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and the early detection and management of skin cancers. His practice is committed to delivering evidence-based treatments within a modern, comfortable clinical setting, utilizing advanced diagnostic tools and therapeutic options.
He graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Alberta (Canada) and holds specialty certification as a Dermatologist. His credentials include certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCPC - Dermatology) and licensure through the Medical Licencing Authority of Canada (LMCC). These qualifications affirm his expertise and adherence to the highest standards of medical practice in dermatology.
Dr. Taher’s clinical philosophy centers on providing personalized, patient-centered care founded on the latest evidence in dermatology. He emphasizes patient education on skin health and preventive strategies, promotes early detection of skin cancers, and crafts individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs. Fluent in English, he is dedicated to serving the Edmonton community with compassion, professionalism, and a commitment to optimal skin health outcomes.
Dr. Zaki Taher diagnoses and treats a wide range of skin, hair, and nail conditions, including:
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.
- 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).
Skin Cancers, Precancerous Lesions & Benign Growths
- Melanoma: The most serious type of skin cancer, developing in melanocytes. Early detection is crucial. Look for asymmetry, irregular borders, color variation, diameter >6mm, and evolving moles (ABCDEs).
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): A common form of skin cancer developing in the squamous cells. Often appears as a firm, red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface on sun-exposed areas. Can grow more rapidly than BCC.
Nail Disorders (Onychopathies)
- Beau's Lines & Other Nail Dystrophies: Transverse depressions in the nails (Beau's lines) or other changes in nail texture or appearance that can indicate systemic illness, trauma, or nutritional deficiencies.
- 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.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific dermatological condition, please consult with Dr. Zaki Taher.
- Teledermatology Consultations (for select conditions & follow-ups): Remote dermatological consultations using secure digital imaging and communication technologies for initial assessment of certain conditions or for follow-up care, enhancing accessibility.
- Acne Vulgaris & Acne Rosacea Treatment (Topical, Oral, Systemic, including Isotretinoin): Management of acne and rosacea, including blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, cysts, and facial redness, using a range of treatments from topical creams and gels to oral antibiotics, hormonal therapies, and isotretinoin for severe or recalcitrant acne.
- 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.
- Skin Cancer Screening & Mole Mapping (Dermoscopy & Digital Monitoring): Thorough examination of the skin for suspicious lesions, including moles and other growths. Utilizes dermoscopy for enhanced visualization and may involve digital mole mapping for high-risk patients to track changes over time.
- Electrodessication & Curettage (ED&C) for Superficial Skin Cancers & Benign Lesions: Surgical procedure to scrape away superficial skin lesions (e.g., some BCCs, SCCs in situ, warts) and cauterize the base.
- 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.
- Diagnostic Mycology (Fungal Scrapings & Cultures): Collecting skin, hair, or nail samples to identify fungal infections through microscopic examination (e.g., KOH prep) or fungal culture.
Note: This list provides a general overview of medical and potentially some cosmetic services. Treatment plans are highly individualized. Discuss with Dr. Taher 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 Alberta (CPSA) and relevant dermatological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Lucere Dermatology & Laser Clinic is situated in Edmonton's SW neighbourhoods of Ellerslie, Allard, and Rutherford. The practice is conveniently positioned near major North-South Corridor routes and offers easy access via the High Level Bridge. Patients can reach the clinic via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including Light Rail Transit (LRT) and bus services. The facility is wheelchair accessible to accommodate all patients. Parking is available at or near the clinic, ensuring a comfortable and accessible experience for patients visiting for dermatological care.
- Are consultations and dermatological treatments with Dr. Taher, a Dermatologist, covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Dermatologist like Dr. Taher, 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 Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB 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. Taher's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) beforehand, especially if there's a potential cosmetic component.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Taher, 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. Taher. 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. Taher specialize in?
- A Dermatologist, such as Dr. Taher, 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. He is a Dermatologist specializing in the comprehensive medical and surgical care of skin, hair, and nail conditions. Dr. Taher offers various medical, surgical, and potentially cosmetic treatments depending on their practice focus.
- What is the difference between a Dermatologist and an Esthetician?
- A Dermatologist, like Dr. Taher, is a medical doctor (MD) who has completed medical school followed by several years of specialized residency training in dermatology. They are qualified to diagnose and treat over 3,000 diseases of the skin, hair, and nails, prescribe medications, perform surgical procedures (like skin cancer removal), and manage complex skin conditions. An Esthetician (or Aesthetician) is a skincare professional trained in cosmetic skin treatments and services that improve the appearance of the skin, such as facials, superficial chemical peels, microdermabrasion, waxing, and makeup application. They are not medical doctors and cannot diagnose skin diseases, prescribe medications, or perform medical or surgical procedures.
- Dr. Taher mentioned biologics. What are they for skin conditions?
- Biologic medications are a newer class of treatments for moderate to severe inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema (atopic dermatitis), and hidradenitis suppurativa, when other treatments haven't been effective enough. Unlike traditional systemic drugs that suppress the broader immune system, biologics are proteins engineered to target very specific parts of the immune system that cause inflammation in these diseases. They are usually given by injection (either by Dr. Taher's office or self-administered at home) or intravenous (IV) infusion. Dr. Taher would discuss the specific biologic, its benefits, potential side effects, and monitoring requirements if it's a suitable option for you.
- What kind of sunscreen does Dr. Taher recommend?
- While specific brand recommendations can vary, Dr. Taher 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. Taher can provide personalized recommendations based on your skin type and lifestyle during your consultation.
Lucere Dermatology & Laser Clinic
113-625 Parsons Rd SW
Edmonton, AB T6X 0N9
Phone: (780) 461-1188 | Website: http://www.lucereskin.com/
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Taher is a licensed Dermatologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Taher 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 Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=358bb6eb-563d-42ff-adc8-750872a00263&i=1419