Rashes can have macules, patches (flat spots at least 1 cm in size), papules (raised skin lesions less than 1 cm in size), plaques (raised skin lesions at least 1 cm in size), and more, depending on the type of rash. “Macule” is just a word that doctors use to describe what they see on the skin.

What is a macule?

A macule is a flat, distinct, discolored area of skin.

What are skin macules?

Macules are flat, nonpalpable lesions usually < 10 mm in diameter. Macules represent a change in color and are not raised or depressed compared to the skin surface. A patch is a large macule.

What causes macules and papules?

Macules that are bigger than 1 centimeter are considered patches, while papules that are merged together are considered plaques. A maculopapular rash is a marker for many diseases, allergic reactions, and infections. Most of the time, the cause is a viral infection.

What is an example of a papule?

Papule: a circumscribed, elevated solid lesion up to 1 cm in size, elevation may be accentuated with oblique lighting, e.g. Mila, acne, verrucae. Plaque: a circumscribed, elevated, plateaulike, solid lesion greater than 1 cm in size (e.g. psoriasis).

What is a lentigo?

A lentigo is a small, sharply circumscribed, pigmented macule surrounded by normal-appearing skin. Histologic findings may include hyperplasia of the epidermis and increased pigmentation of the basal layer.

What is dermatitis?

Dermatitis is a general term that describes a common skin irritation. It has many causes and forms and usually involves itchy, dry skin or a rash.

What causes a papule?

Papules occur when the skin is rubbed by something that causes irritation or an allergic reaction, and usually they’ll form in patches that resemble a rash. Items such as poison ivy, makeup, and soap can cause papules to form from dermatitis.

Is a mole a papule?

Moles are flesh- to brown-colored macules, papules, or nodules composed of nests of melanocytes or nevus cells. Moles develop on nearly everybody, and are significant primarily because they can become dysplastic or malignant and need to be differentiated from melanoma.

What do macules look like?

A macule is a flat, distinct, discolored area of skin less than 1 centimeter (cm) wide. It doesn’t involve any change in the thickness or texture of the skin. Areas of discoloration that are larger than or equal to 1 cm are referred to as patches.

Article first time published on

Are macules harmful?

Macules: Macules are smaller skin lesions, mostly in brown, white and red. Common examples of macules are moles and freckles. These skin lesions are not dangerous by themselves but can pose a threat when evolving over time.

Are macules cancerous?

Skin cancer — Although macules don’t indicate skin cancer and most are harmless, they are often found on people who have skin cancer. When you notice a new macule, you should have it checked by your dermatologist.

Where do macules occur?

Macules can be seen on any part of the body, but are most frequently found on the chest, back, face, and arms. They may be hypopigmented (lighter than the surrounding skin), hyperpigmented (darker than the surrounding skins), or appear pink or red.

Is acne a Macule?

All characteristic lesions of acne vulgaris can occur in skin of colour, but it usually presents with less discernible redness and more postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (pigmented macules) which persists long after the acne lesion has gone.

Which of the following is an example of macules?

Macules: Macules are flat skin lesions. They are small (less than one centimeter in diameter) and may be brownish or reddish. Freckles and flat moles are examples of macules. A macular rash is commonly seen in measles.

What is smaller than a papule?

Papule: Raised lesion less than 5-10 mm (larger than 10mm → plaque or nodule) (wart, actinic keratosis) Patch: a larger flat, nonpalpable lesion – or macule that is > 1cm, (some will still call these macules) Petechiae: small (< 5mm) hemorrhagic (red-purple) non-blanchable discolorations (>5mm →purpura)

What is inside a papule?

A papule looks like a tiny, raised bump on the skin. It develops from excess oil and skin cells clogging a pore. Papules have no visible pus. Typically the papule will fill with pus in a few days. Once pus is visible on the surface of the skin, it’s called a pustule.

What is a group of papules called?

It’s not a diagnosis or disease. Papules are often called skin lesions, which are essentially changes in your skin’s color or texture. Sometimes, papules cluster together to form a rash.

Is dermatitis a fungal infection?

Examples of fungal skin infections include diaper rash, systemic candidiasis, candidal paronychia, and body rash. Eczema (also called eczematous dermatitis) is a common skin condition that causes skin irritation and inflammation.

What is dermatitis look like?

Periorificial dermatitis: Periorificial dermatitis looks like acne or rosacea. It develops around your mouth, eyes and nose. Seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff). Seborrheic dermatitis (called dandruff when it’s on your head) appears as red, dry, flaky, itchy skin on your scalp and other parts of your body.

Is dermatitis curable?

No cure has been found for atopic dermatitis. But treatments and self-care measures can relieve itching and prevent new outbreaks. For example, it helps to avoid harsh soaps, moisturize your skin regularly, and apply medicated creams or ointments.

What does lentigines look like?

Solar lentigines (len-TIJ-ih-neez) are flat spots of increased pigmentation. They are usually tan, brown or dark brown and darker than freckles. Solar lentigines have oval to round shapes and vary in size. They usually appear on areas most exposed to the sun, such as the scalp, face, hands, arms and upper trunk.

What is the difference between mole and lentigo?

Think that a lentigo is the same as a mole (nevus)? “They are formed by an increase in the number of melanocytes in the base of the epidermis. “Because of the superficial nature of lentigos they are also easier to remove with laser treatments, and lightening is also possible with creams and chemical peels.

Can lentigines be removed?

To lighten or remove lentigines, your dermatologist might recommend one of these treatments: medicines such as bleaching creams containing hydroquinone or retinoids (tretinoin) chemical peels. laser or intense pulse light therapy to destroy melanocytes.

Are moles blind?

Moles are often thought to be blind when in fact they can see; they are, though, colorblind and have poor vision only adapted to recognize light. To find food and to navigate the dark underground, moles rely on their keen sense of smell and touch. … Moles are small, burrowing mammals who live underground.

What color is mole?

A normal mole is usually an evenly colored brown, tan, or black spot on the skin. It can be either flat or raised. It can be round or oval. Moles are generally less than 6 millimeters (about ¼ inch) across (about the width of a pencil eraser).

What pigmented naevi?

Pigmented nevi (moles) are growths on the skin that usually are flesh-colored, brown or black. Moles can appear anywhere on the skin, alone or in groups. Moles occur when cells in the skin grow in a cluster instead of being spread throughout the skin.

How do you remove papules?

  1. Scrape excision. The fibrous papule is scraped/shaved off. The wound is then cauterised.
  2. Cautery. The skin tag is focally burnt off using electrosurgery with a very fine tip.

How is Papule diagnosed?

Look for a circular pock mark. Being an assault of Papule, you would notice a solid, round heave up in the affected skin generally less than 1cm in diameter. It can be a small solid skin lesion that has no visible liquid linked with the blemish.

How can I remove papules from my face?

To clear this type of acne blemish, try washing your face twice daily with an acne face wash that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. If you have a lot of papules, it can be helpful to see a dermatologist.

How big is a macule?

MACULE – A circumscribed, flat area of discoloration that is less than 10 mm* in diameter. PATCH – A circumscribed, flat area of discoloration that is greater than 10 mm* in diameter. Slight scale may or may not be present.