Common Skin Conditions in Chevy Chase, MD

At Madeliene Elaine in Chevy Chase, MD, Dr. Madeliene Elaine Gainers is an expert, board-certified dermatologist who diagnoses and treats a range of skin conditions that can impact the appearance, texture, and pigmentation of your skin. You can experience skin conditions because of hormone issues or autoimmune problems. Additionally, skin problems may occur unexpectedly, at birth, or be chronic. For many patients, mild skin issues subside on their own or with over-the-counter medication. However, some conditions may require professional treatment to manage or treat. They can cause uncomfortable symptoms, including inflammation, itchiness, peeling, discoloration, or hyperpigmentation. If you suffer from painful symptoms that impact your daily life, Dr. Gainers can complete diagnostic testing or a skin exam to diagnose and treat the issue.

Madeliene Elaine in Chevy Chase, MD offers treatments for various conditions, including:

Melasma

Melasma causes discoloration or brown spots on different parts of your complexion. Often called the "mask of pregnancy," it occurs in many pregnant women.

Eczema

Eczema happens because of environmental components, allergies, and irritants. It creates uncomfortable symptoms, like itchiness, flakiness, or crustiness on the skin. You may also experience skin that looks darker and appears brown, purple, or gray. For patients of African descent, dryness can often occur near the eyes, which may cause you to itch.

Rosacea

Rosacea can create redness, small bumps, and noticeable blood vessels. It can happen periodically and go away for a little bit.

Dermatosis papulosa nigra

Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) causes small black or brown bumps that appear soft, circular, and flat on the face or neck.

Pseudofolliculitis barbae

Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) is painful razor bumps that can occur on the face after shaving, waxing, or plucking. It commonly occurs in African American men and can create scars or keloids.

Broken vessels

Broken vessels can appear as red, blue, or purple spider veins on the face or body.

Are brown spots always caused by melasma?

Hyperpigmentation is a term used to cover a number of conditions where one spot of skin becomes darker than the surrounding area. Melasma is one specific type of hyperpigmentation caused by hormonal changes within the body. Brown spots can also be caused by sun damage, aging, and other skin conditions.

What causes eczema?

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that can have many causes, including allergies, common irritants, or reactions to medications. You may notice dry and flaky skin with brown or purple patches. Patients should do their best to avoid eczema triggers and seek treatment from a dermatologist for solutions.

What are the symptoms of rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic, long-term skin condition that can appear at any age. It causes red skin, increased sensitivity to sunlight, and a feeling that your face is burning after being in the sun. You may also have dry skin, roughness, or scaling. Small blood vessels in the face may become more visible. A dermatologist is the only medical professional with the appropriate training to diagnose and treat rosacea.

Madeliene Elaine in Chevy Chase, MD provides a wide selection of procedure options for skin problems that impact patients at any age, skin texture, and heritage. Whether you experience painful razor bumps or hirsutism, Dr. Gainers can provide solutions for these chronic conditions. Please schedule an appointment if you experience melasma, eczema, rosacea, dermatosis papulosa nigra, pseudofolliculitis barbae, or broken vessels. Dr. Gainers looks forward to providing innovative skin care solutions to reduce discomfort and improve your quality of life.