Morphea (Localized Scleroderma) Clinic

Morphea (localized scleroderma) is a rare condition with potential for significant functional and cosmetic limitations. To date, there is very little information on the best way to evaluate the disease activity and response to treatment as well as the best treatment modality for each disease subtype.  

Together with Dr. Laxer, a paediatric rheumatologist, and Christine O’Brien, physiotherapy practitioner, the specialized morphea clinic is the only one of its kind in Canada, following over 450 patients with this rare condition. It is currently offered one to two times a month. The clinic focuses on medical, surgical and adjuvant therapies to stop/reverse the clinical impact of the disease.

What to bring: 

• Past photos of your child’s skin issue, if available. 

Directions: 

The Dermatology Clinic is located in Clinic 7 on the Main Floor of the Black Wing. The clinic is located near the University Avenue entrance. 

At the start of your visit, a nurse will take your child to a room to capture your child’s height, weight, blood pressure and take photos. There may be times when this will not be done first, but at some point in the visit. A resident or fellow will then perform an assessment and will review their findings with staff. The resident or fellow will return with a staff physician to confirm the initial assessment and direct a plan. 

Other dermatology residents and fellows may be asked to join the team in the room to learn. That’s because SickKids is a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto, so we help train doctors, nurses and other health-care professionals. As a result, this may mean that a clinic visit may take longer to complete. Please be prepared to be here for the better part of a morning or afternoon. We suggest that you bring extra diapers, feedings for babies and a favourite toy for your child. Your child may be asked to be fully undressed during the appointment in order for the doctors to examine your child’s skin. 

Clinic schedules may change at any time. If this does happen, clinic staff will contact you to notify you of the appointment change. 

More information: 

Visit Dermatology Department 

Fax for General Inquires: 416-813-7055
Fax for New Referrals: 416-813-7848