In dermatology, a macula (spot; Latin macula, pl.: makulae; synonym: color changes of the skin; ICD-10-GM R21: skin rash and other nonspecific skin eruptions) refers to spot-like, color changes on skin or mucosa. There is no difference in substance from the surrounding skin tissue. Also, the macula is not elevated above the skin level, making it non-palpable.
The macula belongs to the so-called primary florescences. These are skin changes that are a direct result of a disease.
The following color changes are possible:
- Red (erythema, areal redness of the skin; e.g., drug exanthema).
- Dark red (e.g., purpura/small capillary hemorrhages in the skin, subcutis, or mucous membranes (cutaneous hemorrhage))
- Light brown to black (melanin deposits; e.g., nevus / birthmark).
- White or colorless (vitiligo, “white spot disease”).
Note: spots > 1 cm may be called patches.
Macules can be a symptom of many diseases (see under “Differential diagnoses”).
