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Definition

A macule is a flat, distinct, discolored area of skin. It usually does not include a change in skin texture or thickness.

Gallery

Skin layers
The skin is the largest organ of the body. The skin and its derivatives (hair, nails, sweat and oil glands) make up the integumentary system. One of the main functions of the skin is protection. It protects the body from external factors such as bacteria, chemicals, and temperature. The skin contains secretions that can kill bacteria and the pigment melanin provides a chemical pigment defense against ultraviolet light that can damage skin cells. Another important function of the skin is body temperature regulation. When the skin is exposed to a cold temperature, the blood vessels in the dermis constrict. This allows the blood which is warm, to bypass the skin. The skin then becomes the temperature of the cold it is exposed to. Body heat is conserved since the blood vessels are not diverting heat to the skin anymore. Among its many functions the skin is an incredible organ always protecting the body from external agents.

References

Dinulos JGH. Light-related diseases and disorders of pigmentation. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif's Clinical Dermatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 19.

Gawkrodger DJ, Ardern-Jones MR. Terminology of skin lesions. In: Gawkrodger DJ, Ardern-Jones MR, eds. Dermatology: An Illustrated Colour Text. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 7.

Last reviewed July 25, 2022 by Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team..

Related specialties

Clinical Trials: Macule

UF Health research scientists make medicine better every day. They discover new ways to help people by running clinical trials. When you join a clinical trial, you can get advanced medical care. Sometimes years before it's available everywhere. You can also help make medicine better for everyone else. If you'd like to learn more about clinical trials, visit our clinical trials page. Or click one of the links below:

BLOCK-SAH

BLOCK-SAH is a phase II, multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial with a sequential parallel comparison design (SPCD) of bilateral pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) injections with 20mg ropivacaine + 4mg dexamethasone…

Investigator
Carolina B Maciel
Status
Accepting Candidates
Ages
18 Years - 85 Years
Sexes
All
RAISE

This study will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of an investigational product (IP), intravenous (IV) ganaxolone, to treat participants with status epilepticus (SE).

Investigator
Carolina B Maciel
Status
Accepting Candidates
Ages
12 Years - N/A
Sexes
All
9001-303 (ENVISION)

The study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of delandistrogene moxeparvovec gene transfer therapy in non-ambulatory and ambulatory males with DMD. This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 2-part study. Participants will be in the…

Investigator
Carmen Leon Astudillo
Status
Accepting Candidates
Ages
N/A - N/A
Sexes
Male

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