What do Macules refer to?

Macules are defined as flat areas of discoloration on the skin that are typically smaller than 1 centimeter in diameter. They can be a result of various underlying conditions or can arise from factors such as sun exposure, medication reactions, or other skin disorders. The key characteristic of macules is that they do not involve any elevation or depression of the skin surface, which differentiates them from other skin lesions like papules or plaques.

In contrast to macules, options like open lesions or raised bumps describe different types of dermatological conditions. Open lesions typically refer to ulcers or sores that can involve deeper skin layers and may present a different clinical picture than simple discolorations. Raised bumps indicate a solid elevation from the skin's surface, which is not applicable to macules as they are flat. Lastly, non-contagious inflammation describes a reaction that might not lead to discoloration and often involves swelling or redness, which again does not relate to the flat, discolored nature of macules.