Melissa Abrams, MD, FAAD


Board-Certified Dermatologist
Board-Certified Pediatric Dermatologist
Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology
Headshot of Dr. Melissa Abrams
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Accepting New Patients

Dr. Melissa Abrams is a board-certified dermatologist providing skin care to patients in Silver Spring and Rockville, Maryland.Dr. Melissa Abrams is a board-certified dermatologist providing skin care to patients in Silver Spring and Rockville, Maryland.

 

Dr. Melissa Abrams grew up in New Jersey. She received her undergraduate degree from The College of William and Mary, where she was also a member of the women’s varsity cross country and track team. Her medical training brought her back home to UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson. Following medical school, Dr. Abrams completed a pediatric residency at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. In 2005, she moved to Chicago and spent two years conducting clinical dermatologic research under the mentorship of Dr. Amy Paller at Northwestern University, where she stayed to complete a dermatology residency and a pediatric dermatology fellowship. Following her training, she worked for two years at the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin as an academic pediatric dermatologist.

Motivated to be closer to family, Dr. Abrams and her family moved back to the area in the summer of 2013. Although they dearly miss the Windy City (not necessarily the winters!) — spending time with her sisters, mom, nieces and nephews has been priceless.

Dr. Abrams lives in Chevy Chase, Maryland, with her husband, Lewis, and their three children — Will, age 7; Kate, age 5; and Claire, age 2. When she is not shuttling her kids to activities or just trying to keep up as a working mom, she enjoys running, reading, and is an avid sports fan.

Dr. Melissa Abrams is a board-certified dermatologist and pediatric dermatologist. She is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and Society for Pediatric Dermatology. While her practice focuses on pediatric dermatology, she enjoys seeing patients of all ages. Dr. Abrams is caring for patients at our Rockville and Silver Spring locations.

Badges and Awards

2018 Washingtonian Top Doctor Dermatologist    

Clinic Locations

Services Offered By Melissa Abrams, MD

What Is an Annual Skin Examination?

Annual Skin Examinations are yearly scheduled skin exams with a dermatologist. Did you know that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S.? In fact, it is estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Sun damage to the skin is cumulative over a person’s lifetime, so the average risk of skin cancer also increases as our life expectancy gets longer.

Just as you schedule your annual physical or trip to the dentist, it is important to conduct a self-examination of your skin each month and schedule a professional annual skin examination once a year. Skin cancer is a treatable condition, but early detection is key.

 

Effective Acne Solutions

If you’ve struggled with moderate to severe acne, including cystic or nodular acne, you know that many common acne treatments aren’t effective for everyone. Fortunately, the physicians at U.S. Dermatology Partners commonly prescribe Accutane (isotretinoin) for the treatment of those patients with acne that is unresponsive to other therapeutic options.

If you’ve struggled with moderate to severe acne, including cystic or nodular acne, you know that many common acne treatments aren’t effective for everyone. Fortunately, the physicians at U.S. Dermatology Partners commonly prescribe Accutane (isotretinoin) for the treatment of those patients with acne that is unresponsive to other therapeutic options.

What Is Acne?

Acne is a dermatological condition caused by inflammation and mild infection in clogged pores. If not properly treated, acne can cause emotional distress, low self-esteem, and depression. In severe cases, it can even lead to permanent scarring.

While not a serious physical health threat, acne is an embarrassing skin problem that can be life-altering for many patients. Though it is most common among teenagers, acne can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender, and can be mild, moderate or severe.

What Is Alopecia Areata?

Alopecia Areata, also known as spot baldness, is a type of hair loss in which your immune system attacks hair follicles. This leads to areas of baldness on the scalp and body. In severe cases, a person with alopecia may even lose the hair of their eyebrows and eyelashes.

 

What Are Cold Sores?

Cold sores, which are also called fever blisters, are groups of blisters that appear on the lip and around the mouth. The blisters may break open and leak a clear fluid and then scab over. They may take up to two weeks to heal. They are caused by the herpes (HSV) virus.

Man with cold sore before treatment

Cold sores can be uncomfortable and embarrassing.

What Is Dandruff?

Dandruff is a condition of the scalp which causes flaking and itching of the skin. It is more common in people with the skin conditions seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema, and also can be a reaction to hair or skin products.

Woman brushing dandruff off shoulder

Dandruff flakes can be visible on the shoulders.

What Is Dermatitis?

Dermatitis, also sometimes referred to as eczema, is a common condition characterized by an itchy rash and inflamed skin. There are many different types of dermatitis and symptoms can range in severity from mild itching and redness to severe blistering and cracked skin.

Girl with inflammation of skin on face.

Dermatitis is a group of diseases and comes in many forms, but all are characterized by inflammation of the skin, redness and itchiness.

What Is Eczema?

Eczema, also sometimes referred to as dermatitis, is a common condition characterized by a certain type of inflammation in the skin. There are many different types of eczema and symptoms can range from mild itching and redness to severe blistering and cracked skin. Whether you’re newly diagnosed with eczema or you’ve struggled with this chronic skin condition for years, you know that finding a treatment that works for you isn’t just important – it’s essential. Without proper and effective interventions, people with eczema can experience significant discomfort, itching, and inflammation.

At U.S. Dermatology Partners, our knowledgeable dermatologists partner with their patients to develop and maintain an effective eczema maintenance plan and provide advanced treatments for serious flareups. Learn more on this page or contact U.S. Dermatology Partners to get started working with us today.

What Is a Fungal Infection?

A fungal infection is an inflammatory condition that is caused by fungus. Fungal infections  can appear in many parts of the body and include athlete’s foot, yeast infections, skin and nail infections and more.

Related: 5 Common Foot Rashes

Close-up of a big toe infected with toenail fungus.

Toenail fungus can infect the toenails.

What Is Hair Loss?

You might ask, what does hair loss have to do with skin?

Hair is actually a protein filament that grows from follicles deep in the skin up through the top layer of your skin. Your hair helps to regulate body temperature and also serves to protect your scalp. Almost everyone experiences some degree of hair loss at some point in life.

 

Understanding Head Lice & Treatment Options

Head lice is a common condition, especially among children. While it may sound creepy or embarrassing to have small mites (or nits) in your hair, it’s actually a very manageable condition that is typically easy to treat right at home. On this page, you can learn more about how to get rid of lice from your head and your home.

Head lice are very small parasites that live on human blood and are usually found on the head, as they are attracted to hair.

Understanding Herpes Simplex Virus & Treatment Options

Herpes simplex virus, often referred to simply as HSV, is an extremely common viral infection impacting millions of people in the U.S. alone. While there’s no known cure for HSV, some treatments have proven effective in minimizing the number and severity of flare-ups. You can learn more about HSV, its symptoms, and treatment options on this page. You can also work with one of the knowledgeable professionals at U.S. Dermatology Partners to create a treatment plan. To get started, simply complete our online scheduling request form. One of our team members will be in touch soon to finalize the details of your treatment plan.

Herpes Simplex is a viral infection that is found in cold sores and fever blisters and is contagious even when sores are not visible.

What Is Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

Hidradenitis suppurativa is rare skin condition in which small, painful lumps develop under the skin, usually in areas where the skin rubs together (armpits, groin, between the buttocks, under the breasts, etc.) or in areas near hair follicles where many oil and sweat glands are present. Sometimes, the lumps may break open and smell, or they may create tunnels under the skin.

It can continue for many years, may worsen over time and can have serious effects on your daily life and emotional well-being, particularly during outbreaks.

Man with Hidradenitis suppurativa skin pain.

If left untreated, Hidradenitis suppurativa can cause longstanding problems in your day-to-day life.

What Are Hives?

If you’re dealing with the itchy, inflamed, painful skin condition called hives, it may be time to call U.S. Dermatology Partners for help. Hives can be very uncomfortable, but recognizing the warning signs and taking appropriate actions to care for your skin can be important to quickly relieve these symptoms and get back to feeling your best. Keep reading to learn more about what causes hives and how your dermatologist can treat this condition.

What Is Melasma?

Melasma is a fairly common skin condition that creates the appearance of brown to gray-brown patches of skin, usually on the face. It can also occur on the neck and forearms and is the result of the body producing too much melanin, that natural substance that colors our hair, skin, and eyes.

If you’re dealing with dark spots or patches on your skin from the chronic condition melasma, the U.S. Dermatology Partners team can help you to improve the appearance of these spots and minimize the risk for future flare-ups of the condition. Read the page below to learn more or reach out to the U.S. Dermatology Partners location nearest you for more information.

What Are Moles?

Atypical moles, also known as dysplastic nevi, are unusual-looking benign (noncancerous) moles.

A dysplastic mole is one that, when viewed on a cellular level, has features unlike those of a healthy, benign mole. A benign mole will have a regular pattern of coloration and pigment, even borders, symmetry, and a tan or pink color. Dysplastic moles can be asymmetric, have indistinct borders, or contain multiple colors or very dark pigment.

Dysplastic moles are often spotted as the “ugly duckling” on a patient’s skin. Any departure from the typical mole a person’s skin makes may be dysplastic. They can appear anywhere on the body, but in most cases are found on the back, chest, buttocks, breasts, or scalp.

Benign mole on skin

People with atypical moles are at a higher risk of developing melanoma.

What Is Molluscum Contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum is a contagious skin disease that appears as pink or flesh-colored bumps on the skin. It is caused by skin-to-skin contact as well as from sharing towels, clothing or touching infected surfaces. It can also be acquired through sexual contact.

For adults, bumps are most often found on the face, neck, armpits, arms and hands. They may also appear on the genitals, abdomen and inner thighs.

Once you are infected with the virus, it can spread to other parts the body, especially if you pick or scratch at the bumps or touch other parts of your skin after touching the bumps. (This is called self-re-infection.)

Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a contagious skin disease that appears as pink or flesh-colored bumps on the skin.

What Is a Nail Fungal Infection?

A fungal infection of the toenails or fingernails typically looks like white or yellowed nails that may also be thick and brittle. The infection could affect one nail or part of a nail, or it could affect multiple nails. If left untreated, fungal infections can lead to permanent nail damage.

Fungal infections of the nails lead to white or yellowing nails that can be thick or brittle.

What Is Pediatric Dermatology?

When your child develops a persistent rash or other skin condition, your goal is to find the appropriate treatment as quickly as possible to keep them comfortable and healthy. Pediatric dermatology is designed to meet the special needs of children with such conditions as birthmarks, psoriasis, warts, eczema and other skin disorders.

Pediatric dermatologist examining an infant.

Pediatric dermatologist examining an infant.

What Is Ringworm?

Despite the name, ringworm is not caused by worms; it is a skin infection caused by a fungus. It can be caused by touching another person who has the infection, or by sharing items that the person has been in contact — such as towels, bedding, chairs and clothes. It can also be caught from animals with fungal infections and, rarely, from contact with fungi in the soil.

Ringworm on forearm.

Ringworm has a reddish, circular appearance.

What Is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a fairly common skin condition that causes redness in your face. In some cases, it may also produce small, red, pus-filled bumps. Typically these signs and symptoms may flare up for a period of weeks to months and then diminish for a while.

Rosacea may sometimes be mistaken for acne, an allergic reaction or other skin problems. It is believed to be caused by a combination of hereditary and environmental factors.

Learn more: 4 Types of Rosacea

Rosacea Treatment on facial skin.

Rosacea causes redness on the face.



What Is Sebaceous Hyperplasia?

Sebaceous hyperplasia is a benign bump on the skin that forms as a result of over-productive oil glands. When oil glands are damaged, they can become enlarged and clogged, leading to this condition. It is primarily a cosmetic concern rather than a medical problem.

Sebaceous hyperplasia is a benign bump on the skin that forms as a result of over-productive oil glands

Sebaceous hyperplasia is a benign bump on the skin that forms as a result of over-productive oil glands.

What Is Seborrheic Keratosis?

Seborrheic keratosis is one of the most common noncancerous skin growths found in older adults. It most commonly appears as a brown, black or light tan growth on the face, chest, shoulders or back. Although they are not cancerous, they can look like skin cancer.

Seborrheic keratosis also known as seborrheic verruca or a senile wart.

Seborrheic keratosis is also known as seborrheic verruca or a senile wart.

What Are Shingles?

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful skin rash that occurs when the virus that causes chickenpox reactivates.

Typically, shingles appears on a small area on one side of the face or body. The rash is often painful because it travels up nerve roots (which supply sensation to your skin) to the area of skin supplied by those specific nerve roots.

Shingles rash on abdomen.

Shingles is a painful skin rash that occurs when the virus that causes chickenpox reactivates.

What Is Sun Damage?

The sun can age and burn your skin, and it can also cause damage on the cellular level, leading to skin cancer. The good news is, the U.S. Dermatology Partners team can help you formulate a plan to prevent sun damage and repair the effects of the sun’s UV rays so that you can go out and enjoy a sunny day. Learn more on this page or contact U.S. Dermatology Partners to schedule an appointment with us.

What Is Vitiligo?

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease in which white patches of skin appear on different areas of the body. This happens when melanocytes, the cells that make pigment in the skin, are destroyed. In addition to the skin, it can affect the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose as well as the eyes. Its cause is not known.

Young woman with vitiligo.

Vitiligo causes white patches on different areas of the body.

What Are Warts?

Warts are benign, non-cancerous growths that appear on the skin as the result of a virus called human papillomavirus, or HPV. They are contagious and are spread by contact – either with the wart or something that touched the wart. Cut or damaged skin is more vulnerable to warts.

Related: How to Identify a Wart

Dermatologist examining a wart on a patient's foot.

Warts are benign, non-cancerous growths that appear on the skin as the result of the human papillomavirus.

Understanding Birthmarks & Treatment Options

Birthmarks are common, benign skin conditions, and for the most part, their only negative effect is to mar the cosmetics appearance of the skin. If you or your child have a birthmark that causes you concern, a dermatologist can examine it to ensure it isn’t a more serious skin condition and provide treatment to remove or diminish the appearance of the birthmark. On this page, you can learn more about the different types of birthmarks and the available treatment options.

 

What Are Keloids?

Keloids are raised, red scars created by excessive healing of skin wounds, such as burns, cuts and acne. They are the result of an overproduction of collagen as the skin tries to repair itself. Keloids also can occur after piercings, tattoos or surgery and often times are itchy and painful. They can grow for years and sometimes show up three months or longer after the injury occurred.

Keloid scars on a patient's wrist.

Keloid are caused by an overproduction of collagen as the skin tries to repair itself.

What Is Keratosis Pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition characterized by small, hard bumps that may make your skin feel like sandpaper. Most often they appear on your upper arms, thighs and buttocks, and sometimes are accompanied by redness or swelling. In some cases they may appear on your face.

It is caused by a buildup of keratin, a protein that protects skin from infections. When a buildup forms, it blocks the opening of a hair follicle and creates the bumps, but doctors don’t know what triggers the buildup.

Keratosis pilaris (clogged pores and keratin overproduction) on the skin.

Keratosis pilaris, a condition where keratin overproduction causes clogged pores, can lead to red bumps and irritation on the skin.

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What Our Patients Say

Melissa Abrams, MD
5 Stars  Great practice and wonderful doctor. Very friendly, takes time to explain, strives to make sure treatment option is one that will work with teen's life. Couldn't be more pleased! –
Source : Healthgrades – Dec 14, 2024
Melissa Abrams, MD
5 Stars  She is thorough. She educates and re-educate me on my visits. All of her staff are nice to be around. They are efficient, but don’t treat you as if they are too busy to answer your concerns. –
Source : Healthgrades – Nov 21, 2024
Melissa Abrams, MD
5 Stars  We have been seeing Dr. Abrahms for four years and the care she has given both of my sons is above and beyond. She is thoughtful and kind and despite having thousands of patients she treats you like you are the most important one. She knows her patients so well and this allows her to build trust and confidence and loyalty with the kids and the parents. We adore her ! –
Source : Healthgrades – Nov 08, 2024

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