macule

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Introduction

In dermatology:

  • a macroscopic term referring to a circumscribed area of any size* characterized by its flatness & usually distinguished from surrounding skin by its coloration
  • macules are not palpable
  • they may be accompanied by desquamation or scaling.

* Ref[3] suggests macule < 1 cm, patch > 1 cm.

* Ref[4] suggests macule < 2 cm, patch > 2 cm.

Pathology

Macules may be associated with:

Erythematous macules

Macules on sun-exposed skin (photodistribution)

Hypopigmented macules

Hyperpigmented macules

More general terms

More specific terms

Additional terms

References

  1. Cotran et al Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease, 5th ed. W.B. Saunders Co, Philadelphia, PA 1994 pg 1174
  2. DeGowin & DeGowin's Diagnostic Examination, 6th edition, RL DeGowin (ed), McGraw Hill, NY 1994, pg 53
  3. 3.0 3.1 Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 11, 15, 18 American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 1998, 2009, 2018.
  4. 4.0 4.1 Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 13th ed. Isselbacher et al (eds), McGraw-Hill Inc. NY, 1994, pg 217
  5. UpToDate 14.1 http://www.utdol.com