A macule is a discolored patch of skin that is not elevated and is less than one centimeter in diameter. If you were to close your eyes and run your finger over the skin, you generally would not be able to feel any change in texture.
Macules are characteristic of different medical conditions, some serious and others not. They are referred to as primary lesions as they are often the first step toward identifying a disease. Other primary lesions includepustules(a raised pimple or blister filled with pus) and tumors.
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.
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Causes
Macules may be a sign of something serious or mean absolutely nothing at all. They are often present from the time of birth and may grow or increase in number as a person gets older. Even birthmarks may be considered a type of macule.
Macules can feature in any number of common and uncommon medical conditions, including:
Skin Cancer and Macules
A macule is not, in and of itself, a sign of skin cancer. While a macule may have an appearance suggestive of cancer, further tests would be needed to confirm or exclude a diagnosis. All told, there are four types of skin cancer or precancer, each with its own characteristics appearance:
If you find any suspicious-looking blemishes or lesions, consult adermatologistas soon as possible.
Methods of Diagnosis
To determine the cause of a macule, the dermatologist will start with a physical inspection of the lesion. In some cases, such as with vitiligo or rosacea, the tell-tale appearance is enough to make the diagnosis (although further tests may be performed to identify any underlying causes).
In other cases, the doctor mayperform a cultureif the cause believed to befungalor use blood tests to identify a viral or bacterial infection.
Based on the results of any of these procedures—whether it be visual, a lab test, or a biopsy—the doctor will recommend the treatment appropriate to the diagnosis.
A Word From Verywell
The sudden appearance of any skin lesion can be troubling, especially if it is fast-changing orirregular in shape. Even if you’re unsure what it is (or it doesn’t fit the characteristic profile), get it checked it sooner rather than later.
In the end, there’s a good chance that the lesion will either be nothing serious or something that is easily treated. Even if it’s cancer, early diagnosis and treatment afford you the greatest opportunities for success. If caught early, even melanoma can be cured with relatively minor surgery.
Frequently Asked QuestionsProtect your skin with some simple steps:Wear sunscreen of SPF 15 or greater.Cover up with clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.Seek shade whenever possible, especially between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.Never allow your skin to burn.Avoid tanning beds.Check your body monthly for any suspicious-looking blemishes, moles, or lesions.Learn MoreHow to Prevent Skin CancerA macule is a discolored patch of skin that doesn’t feel different than the rest of your skin.It isn’t raised or rough, but it is a different color or shade. They can be lighter, darker, or even appear pink or red.Learn MoreCommon Skin GrowthsYes. Red patches on the face may be a sign of rosacea, which causes flushing and inflammation.This can occur after eating foods such as alcohol, coffee, tomatoes, citrus fruit, and spicy food.Learn MoreWhat Triggers Rosacea?
Frequently Asked Questions
Protect your skin with some simple steps:Wear sunscreen of SPF 15 or greater.Cover up with clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.Seek shade whenever possible, especially between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.Never allow your skin to burn.Avoid tanning beds.Check your body monthly for any suspicious-looking blemishes, moles, or lesions.Learn MoreHow to Prevent Skin Cancer
Protect your skin with some simple steps:Wear sunscreen of SPF 15 or greater.Cover up with clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.Seek shade whenever possible, especially between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.Never allow your skin to burn.Avoid tanning beds.Check your body monthly for any suspicious-looking blemishes, moles, or lesions.
Protect your skin with some simple steps:
Learn MoreHow to Prevent Skin Cancer
A macule is a discolored patch of skin that doesn’t feel different than the rest of your skin.It isn’t raised or rough, but it is a different color or shade. They can be lighter, darker, or even appear pink or red.Learn MoreCommon Skin Growths
A macule is a discolored patch of skin that doesn’t feel different than the rest of your skin.It isn’t raised or rough, but it is a different color or shade. They can be lighter, darker, or even appear pink or red.
Learn MoreCommon Skin Growths
Yes. Red patches on the face may be a sign of rosacea, which causes flushing and inflammation.This can occur after eating foods such as alcohol, coffee, tomatoes, citrus fruit, and spicy food.Learn MoreWhat Triggers Rosacea?
Yes. Red patches on the face may be a sign of rosacea, which causes flushing and inflammation.This can occur after eating foods such as alcohol, coffee, tomatoes, citrus fruit, and spicy food.
Learn MoreWhat Triggers Rosacea?
3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Skin Cancer Foundation.Sun protection. Updated February 2019.MedlinePlus.Macule. Updated August 13, 2020.Weiss E, Katta R.Diet and rosacea: the role of dietary change in the management of rosacea.Dermatology Practical & Conceptual. Published online October 31, 2017:31-37. doi:10.5826%2Fdpc.0704a08Additional ReadingGandhi, S. and Kampp, J. “Skin Cancer Epidemiology, Detection, and Management.“Med Clinic N Amer.2015; 99(6):1323-35; DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2015.06.002.Plensdorf, A. and Martinez, J. “Common Pigmentation Disorders.“Am Fam Physician. 2009; 79(2):109-116.
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Skin Cancer Foundation.Sun protection. Updated February 2019.MedlinePlus.Macule. Updated August 13, 2020.Weiss E, Katta R.Diet and rosacea: the role of dietary change in the management of rosacea.Dermatology Practical & Conceptual. Published online October 31, 2017:31-37. doi:10.5826%2Fdpc.0704a08Additional ReadingGandhi, S. and Kampp, J. “Skin Cancer Epidemiology, Detection, and Management.“Med Clinic N Amer.2015; 99(6):1323-35; DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2015.06.002.Plensdorf, A. and Martinez, J. “Common Pigmentation Disorders.“Am Fam Physician. 2009; 79(2):109-116.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Skin Cancer Foundation.Sun protection. Updated February 2019.MedlinePlus.Macule. Updated August 13, 2020.Weiss E, Katta R.Diet and rosacea: the role of dietary change in the management of rosacea.Dermatology Practical & Conceptual. Published online October 31, 2017:31-37. doi:10.5826%2Fdpc.0704a08
Skin Cancer Foundation.Sun protection. Updated February 2019.
MedlinePlus.Macule. Updated August 13, 2020.
Weiss E, Katta R.Diet and rosacea: the role of dietary change in the management of rosacea.Dermatology Practical & Conceptual. Published online October 31, 2017:31-37. doi:10.5826%2Fdpc.0704a08
Gandhi, S. and Kampp, J. “Skin Cancer Epidemiology, Detection, and Management.“Med Clinic N Amer.2015; 99(6):1323-35; DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2015.06.002.Plensdorf, A. and Martinez, J. “Common Pigmentation Disorders.“Am Fam Physician. 2009; 79(2):109-116.
Gandhi, S. and Kampp, J. “Skin Cancer Epidemiology, Detection, and Management.“Med Clinic N Amer.2015; 99(6):1323-35; DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2015.06.002.
Plensdorf, A. and Martinez, J. “Common Pigmentation Disorders.“Am Fam Physician. 2009; 79(2):109-116.
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