Which skin lesion is characterized by a color change and is less than 1 cm in size?

A macule is a flat, distinct, and colored area of skin that is smaller than 1 cm in size. It represents a change in color but does not have a raised or depressed surface. Macules can be of various colors, including red, brown, or white, and may arise from a variety of conditions such as hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, or inflammation.

The definition and characteristics of a macule are key to distinguishing it from other types of skin lesions. For instance, a papule is also a raised lesion but is typically solid and greater than 1 cm in size. A patch, on the other hand, describes a larger area of skin discoloration that exceeds 1 cm. A vesicle is a fluid-filled sac that is also raised and larger than a macule, which further differentiates it from a macule. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate skin assessment in clinical practice.