Skin conditions · By referral · Covered by MSP
Eczema and dermatitis cause itchy, dry, inflamed skin that can be stubborn and disruptive. Most cases settle well with the right routine and, where needed, a clearer picture of what is triggering them.
"Dermatitis" simply means inflamed skin, and "eczema" is the most common form. It typically shows up as dry, itchy, red or scaly patches, often in the creases of the elbows and knees, on the hands, or on the face. The itch is a defining feature, and scratching tends to make it worse, which is part of why it can be hard to break the cycle. Some dermatitis is driven by contact with a specific irritant or allergen, which changes how it is best managed.
Not all itchy rashes are the same. Part of the assessment is sorting out what kind of dermatitis you have - a barrier-and-inflammation problem, a reaction to something you are contacting, or something else - because that shapes the treatment. Where a contact allergy is suspected, that is explored rather than assumed.
The foundation is protecting and repairing the skin barrier with the right moisturizers and gentle, fragrance-free products, alongside identifying and reducing triggers. Flares are settled with prescription anti-inflammatory creams, and more stubborn or widespread eczema may need additional treatment. The aim is to get the skin calm and then keep it calm with a routine you can sustain.
Your visit starts with a focused look at your skin and history, then a practical plan - what to use, when, and how to head off the next flare. Because eczema tends to come and go, follow-up to fine-tune the plan is part of the approach. There are practical handouts on choosing a moisturizer for eczema and sensitive skin care in the resource library.
Eczema and dermatitis are seen as medical visits covered by MSP, by referral rather than online booking. Ask your family doctor or nurse practitioner to send a referral to Dr. Baldwin at Hillside Medical Clinic in Victoria or Kensington Medical Clinic in Burnaby, and the clinic will contact you.