Difference Between
versus

Macule vs. Papule: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on November 8, 2023
A macule is a flat, distinct, colored area of the skin, while a papule is a small, raised, solid pimple or swelling, often forming part of a rash.
Macule vs. Papule

Key Differences

The etiology of macules can range from benign freckles to more serious conditions like melanoma, while papules can indicate a range of issues, including allergic reactions, infection, or inflammatory diseases.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Clinically, macules are observed in conditions like vitiligo or port-wine stains, which are flat and do not involve thickening of the skin. Papules are seen in conditions like acne or dermatitis, where there is an elevation due to tissue infiltration in the dermis.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Macules are flat spots on the skin that differ in color from the surrounding area, typically not raised or associated with changes in skin texture. Papules are elevated lesions that can be felt on palpation, indicating a change in both color and texture.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
In terms of palpation, macules will feel no different from the surrounding skin aside from temperature changes due to inflammation, but papules will be felt as small bumps, indicative of underlying skin pathology.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
A macule represents changes in skin color without elevation or depression relative to the skin surface and can be of various shapes and sizes. Papules are usually less than 1 cm in diameter and can merge to form a plateau-like elevation above the skin.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023

Comparison Chart

Elevation

Flat, no elevation above the skin surface
Raised, creating a bump above the skin surface
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023

Texture

Same as surrounding skin
Firm or solid upon touch
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023

Size

Generally larger than papules
Usually less than 1 cm in diameter
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023

Pathology

Color change without skin thickening
Involves thickening or infiltration of the dermis
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023

Examples

Freckles, flat moles, vitiligo
Acne, insect bites, some dermatitis
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023

Macule and Papule Definitions

Macule

A non-palpable area of skin change.
After sun exposure, macules appeared on her arms.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023

Papule

A small, raised, solid pimple or swelling.
She felt a small papule on her chin, signaling the start of an acne breakout.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023

Macule

A flat, discolored spot on the skin.
The dermatologist noted several brown macules on the patient's back.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023

Papule

A palpable, elevated lesion.
The doctor examined a papule on the patient's arm to determine if it was an insect bite.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023

Macule

A change in skin color without elevation.
Macules of lighter skin tone were indicative of vitiligo.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023

Papule

An elevation of the skin with no visible fluid inside.
Dermatitis was evident from the papules scattered across his torso.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023

Macule

Variant of mackle.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Papule

A raised area caused by inflammation or infection.
Each papule on her leg was from a mosquito bite from the hike.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023

Macule

A discolored spot or area on the skin that is not elevated above the surface and is characteristic of certain conditions, such as smallpox, purpura, or roseola. Also called macula.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Papule

A bump on the skin less than 1 cm in diameter.
A cluster of red papules was present in the area of the rash.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023

Macule

A blurred or double impression in printing.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Papule

A small, solid, usually inflammatory elevation of the skin that does not contain pus.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Macule

To blur or double (a printed impression).
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Papule

A small, inflammatory, irritated spot on the skin, similar in appearance to a pimple, but not containing pus.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Macule

To become blurred.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Papule

Same as Papula.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Macule

A spot.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Papule

A small inflamed elevation of skin that is nonsuppurative (as in chicken pox)
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Macule

A blur or an appearance of a double impression, as when the paper slips a little during printing.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Macule

(printing) To blur or be blurred; especially to blur or double an impression from type.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Macule

A spot.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Macule

A blur, or an appearance of a double impression, as when the paper slips a little; a mackle.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Macule

To blur; especially (Print.), to blur or double an impression from type. See Mackle.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Macule

A patch of skin that is discolored but not usually elevated; caused by various diseases
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Macule

Distinct areas of discoloration without thickness.
He had a macule on his cheek that was diagnosed as a flat mole.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023

Macule

Patches of skin differing in pigmentation from adjacent areas.
Macules from healed lesions left a patchy appearance.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023

Repeatedly Asked Queries

What is a macule?

A macule is a flat, distinct, colored area of skin that is less than 1 centimeter in diameter and does not involve any change in the thickness or texture of the skin.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023

Can macules be a sign of a disease?

Yes, macules can be a sign of a skin condition or disease, such as vitiligo or measles.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023

Are macules raised?

No, macules are not raised; they are flat spots on the skin.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023

Can macules change color over time?

Yes, macules can change color, especially with sun exposure or changes in skin condition.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023

How are macules different from patches?

Macules are smaller than patches; patches are flat spots larger than 1 centimeter.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023

Are birthmarks considered macules?

Some birthmarks are macules if they are flat and smaller than 1 centimeter.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023

Do macules itch?

Macules usually do not itch, but they may be associated with a disease that causes itching.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023

What causes papules to form?

Papules form due to inflammation or a skin disease, such as eczema, psoriasis, or acne.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023

Are freckles macules?

Yes, freckles are a type of macule.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023

Can macules be cancerous?

While most macules are benign, some, like certain types of melanoma, can be cancerous.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023

Can papules be a sign of infection?

Yes, papules can result from infections, inflammatory conditions, or allergic reactions.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023

Can papules go away on their own?

Some papules, like those from acne, can resolve on their own, while others may require treatment.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023

Are papules the same as pimples?

Pimples are a type of papule associated with acne.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023

Are papules contagious?

Papules themselves are not contagious, but if they are caused by an infectious agent, that may be contagious.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023

How do you treat macules?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may not be necessary for benign macules.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023

Do papules itch?

Papules may or may not itch, depending on the cause.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023

What is a papule?

A papule is a small, raised, solid bump on the skin that's less than 1 centimeter in diameter.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023

How are papules different from nodules?

Papules are smaller and less deep than nodules, which are larger, deeper, and often more solid.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023

How do you treat papules?

Treatment varies and can include topical medications, oral drugs, or other therapies targeting the underlying cause.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023

Can papules turn into other lesions?

Yes, papules can sometimes evolve into pustules, vesicles, or even plaques.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023

Share this page

Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

Popular Comparisons

Trending Comparisons

Cytokinesis in Plant Cell vs. Cytokinesis in Animal CellCytokinesis in Plant Cell vs. Cytokinesis in Animal Cell
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
November 17, 2023
Cytokinesis in plant cells involves the formation of a cell plate, while in animal cells, it occurs through cleavage furrow constriction.
Diet Pepsi vs. Pepsi Zero SugarDiet Pepsi vs. Pepsi Zero Sugar
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
November 11, 2023
Diet Pepsi is a low-calorie, sugar-free version of Pepsi, sweetened with aspartame, while Pepsi Zero Sugar is also sugar-free but aims for a taste closer to regular Pepsi and is sweetened with aspartame and Ace-K.
Smart TV vs. Android TVSmart TV vs. Android TV
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
November 10, 2023
A Smart TV is an internet-connected television with a variety of apps, while an Android TV is specifically a Smart TV powered by Google's Android TV operating system.
Japanese Eyes vs. Chinese EyesJapanese Eyes vs. Chinese Eyes
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
November 16, 2023
Japanese Eyes and Chinese Eyes refer to linguistic structures in Japanese and Chinese respectively, each reflecting unique aspects of grammar and syntax.
Term vs. SemesterTerm vs. Semester
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
November 10, 2023
Term is a general period for any division of the academic year, while Semester specifically refers to half of an academic year.
Persuing vs. PursuingPersuing vs. Pursuing
October 19, 2023
Refraction vs. ReflectionRefraction vs. Reflection
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
November 10, 2023
Refraction is the bending of light as it passes through different mediums; reflection is the bouncing back of light from a surface.
Traditional Trade vs. Modern TradeTraditional Trade vs. Modern Trade
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
November 13, 2023
Traditional trade involves local, small-scale, often personalized commerce; modern trade is characterized by large-scale, technology-driven, and impersonal retail environments.
Abridged Certificates vs. Unabridged CertificatesAbridged Certificates vs. Unabridged Certificates
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
November 17, 2023
Abridged Certificates contain summarized information, while Unabridged Certificates provide detailed, complete data.
Onery vs. OrneryOnery vs. Ornery
October 19, 2023
Chromium vs. FirefoxChromium vs. Firefox
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
November 17, 2023
Chromium is an open-source web browser project, while Firefox is an open-source browser developed by Mozilla.
Free Software vs. Open Source SoftwareFree Software vs. Open Source Software
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
November 11, 2023
Free Software is focused on user freedoms, while Open Source Software is about the collaborative and transparent development process.
Royal Blue vs. Navy BlueRoyal Blue vs. Navy Blue
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
November 10, 2023
Royal Blue is a bright, vivid blue, while Navy Blue is a darker blue, almost resembling black in low light.
Frigate vs. DestroyerFrigate vs. Destroyer
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
November 10, 2023
A frigate is a smaller, fast naval vessel often used for escort duties, while a destroyer is a larger, heavily armed vessel designed for anti-submarine, anti-aircraft, and surface warfare.
Giganotosaurus vs. TyrannosaurusGiganotosaurus vs. Tyrannosaurus
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
November 11, 2023
Giganotosaurus was slightly larger, lived in South America; Tyrannosaurus was robust, lived in North America.
Bison vs. BuffaloBison vs. Buffalo
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
November 18, 2023
Bison are shaggy-haired, hump-backed animals native to North America and Europe, while buffalo refer to two species in Africa and Asia, lacking humps.
Email vs. WebmailEmail vs. Webmail
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
November 22, 2023
Email is a method of exchanging digital messages over a network, while Webmail is a means of accessing email via a web browser interface.
Winzip vs. WinrarWinzip vs. Winrar
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
November 16, 2023
Winzip and Winrar are file compression tools; Winzip uses ZIP, Winrar uses RAR and ZIP, with RAR offering better compression rates.
Beer vs. LagerBeer vs. Lager
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
November 20, 2023
Beer is a fermented alcoholic beverage; lager is a type of beer that is fermented and conditioned at low temperatures.
Art vs. DesignArt vs. Design
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
November 20, 2023
Art is the expression or application of human creativity and imagination, often in a visual form; Design is the creation of a plan or convention for constructing an object or system.
Anthropology vs. SociologyAnthropology vs. Sociology
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
November 18, 2023
Anthropology studies human societies, cultures, and their development, while sociology focuses on social relationships, structures, and institutions.
Alien vs. MonsterAlien vs. Monster
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
November 21, 2023
Alien is an outsider or foreigner; can also mean extraterrestrial. Monster is a frightening or evil creature, often mythical or fictional.
Aestivation vs. HibernationAestivation vs. Hibernation
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
November 20, 2023
Aestivation is dormancy in hot/dry conditions, conserving moisture and energy. Hibernation is dormancy in cold conditions, conserving energy during scarce food availability.

Featured Comparisons

New Comparisons