Which statement best describes a macula?

Which statement best describes a macula?

• A. A raised bump larger than 1 cm
• B. A crusty scab
• C. A flat discoloration appearing on the skin's surface less than 1 cm with no change in texture of the skin
• D. A light brown patch

Answer: (C)

A macula is a flat, non-palpable color change in the skin, usually smaller than 1 cm in diameter. The statement that describes a flat discoloration on the skin’s surface, less than 1 cm, with no change in texture fits exactly this definition. It highlights the key feature: color change without elevation or texture change. If you picture other lesions, an elevated bump would be a papule or plaque, not a macula. A crust or scab is a different stage of healing, not simply a color change. A light brown patch is a patch, which is a flat color change but larger than 1 cm, not a macula.

A macula is a flat, non-palpable color change in the skin, usually smaller than 1 cm in diameter. The statement that describes a flat discoloration on the skin’s surface, less than 1 cm, with no change in texture fits exactly this definition. It highlights the key feature: color change without elevation or texture change.

If you picture other lesions, an elevated bump would be a papule or plaque, not a macula. A crust or scab is a different stage of healing, not simply a color change. A light brown patch is a patch, which is a flat color change but larger than 1 cm, not a macula.