Macules Causes, Treatments and More

By errol

Reviewed: dr. stavarache

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. Julia Benedetti, et al. 'Description of Skin Lesions - Dermatologic Disorders.' Merck Manuals Professional Edition, Merck Manuals, www.merckmanuals.com/professional/dermatologic-disorders/approach-to-the-dermatologic-patient/description-of-skin-lesions
• 2. Plensdorf, Scott, et al. 'Pigmentation Disorders: Diagnosis and Management.' American Family Physician, 15 Dec. 2017, www.aafp.org/afp/2017/1215/p797.html
• 3. Madireddy, Sowmya. 'Hypopigmented Macules.' StatPearls /[Internet/]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 9 Oct. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563245/
• 4. Stulberg, Daniel L., et al. 'Common Hyperpigmentation Disorders in Adults: Part I. Diagnostic Approach, Cafe Au Lait Macules, Diffuse Hyperpigmentation, Sun Exposure, and Phototoxic Reactions.' American Family Physician, 15 Nov. 2003, www.aafp.org/afp/2003/1115/p1955.html
• 5. Toledo Peral, Cinthya Lourdes, et al. 'An Application for Skin Macules Characterization Based on a 3-Stage Image-Processing Algorithm for Patients with Diabetes.' Journal of Healthcare Engineering, Hindawi, 16 Dec. 2018, www.hindawi.com/journals/jhe/2018/9397105/
• 6. 'Achromic Naevus.' Achromic Naevus | DermNet NZ, www.dermnetnz.org/topics/achromic-naevus/
• 7. Jha, Suman K. 'Cafe Au Lait Macules.' StatPearls /[Internet/]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 16 Nov. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557492/

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Macules are flat, non-palpable skin lesions that may be noticeable due to a change in skin color. Non palpable means the lesion can't be felt because it's level with the surrounding skin instead of being raised or depressed. Most macules are less than 10 millimeters in diameter.¹Julia Benedetti, et al. ‘Description of Skin Lesions - Dermatologic Disorders.’ Merck Manuals Professional Edition, Merck Manuals, www.merckmanuals.com/professional/dermatologic-disorders/approach-to-the-dermatologic-patient/description-of-skin-lesions

Erythematosus, or vascular macules, are related to blood vessel dilation or formation. They typically form as a reaction to something else, such as medication, injury or vascular disease. Pigmentosa macules are associated with altered melanin production. They may be categorized as hyperpigmented, hypopigmented or achromatic.⁵Toledo Peral, Cinthya Lourdes, et al. ‘An Application for Skin Macules Characterization Based on a 3-Stage Image-Processing Algorithm for Patients with Diabetes.’ Journal of Healthcare Engineering, Hindawi, 16 Dec. 2018, www.hindawi.com/journals/jhe/2018/9397105/

Hyperpigmented Macules

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation commonly occurs as a result of injury or inflammation. Skin conditions that may cause hyperpigmented macules include acne, psoriasis, rosacea and atopic or contact dermatitis. Lesions may resolve on their own, but they may be present for months or years.

Melasma macules occur in areas exposed to sunlight, especially on the face and arms. Women are nine times more likely to develop melasma macules than men, and the lesions are commonly associated with pregnancy and oral contraceptives. Macules may also occur as a side effect of anticonvulsant medications, and melasma may occur without an identified cause.⁴Stulberg, Daniel L., et al. ‘Common Hyperpigmentation Disorders in Adults: Part I. Diagnostic Approach, Cafe Au Lait Macules, Diffuse Hyperpigmentation, Sun Exposure, and Phototoxic Reactions.’ American Family Physician, 15 Nov. 2003, www.aafp.org/afp/2003/1115/p1955.html