Macules are flat, discolored areas of skin that differ in color from the surrounding skin. They can be white or any other color, including red, pink, brown, or black. They have a distinct outline and do not contain any fluid.

Some common examples of macules include:

Café-au-lait spots: Flat, brown spots that can occur either singly or in groups, also known as birthmarks. They do usually not cause concern unless they appear in large numbers or exist along with other symptoms, such as hair loss or developmental delays.

Freckles: Tan to light brown spots on the skin that are more noticeable during summer months and after sun exposure. They’re caused by an increase in melanin production in certain areas of the skin and tend to fade during winter months when less sun exposure occurs.

Moles: Skin lesions consisting of nevus cells (cells that produce pigment). A mole can be either pigmented or non-pigmented. Most moles are benign (noncancerous), but some can be cancerous and should consulted with a dermatologist.