What is the difference between a macule and a papule?

What is the difference between a macule and a papule?

• A. Both are flat.
• B. A macule is flat, while a papule is raised.
• C. A macule is raised, while a papule is flat.
• D. Both are raised.

Answer: (B)

The main idea is to distinguish surface features of skin lesions: flat versus raised. A macule is a flat, non-palpable area where the skin color is different from surrounding skin—you can’t feel a bump there. A papule is a small, raised, solid bump that you can feel as well as see. So, the difference is flat versus raised. Macules can vary in color and size but stay level with the skin, whereas papules rise above the surface and are palpable. Example memory: freckles are macules; a raised mole or wart is a papule.

The main idea is to distinguish surface features of skin lesions: flat versus raised. A macule is a flat, non-palpable area where the skin color is different from surrounding skin—you can’t feel a bump there. A papule is a small, raised, solid bump that you can feel as well as see. So, the difference is flat versus raised. Macules can vary in color and size but stay level with the skin, whereas papules rise above the surface and are palpable. Example memory: freckles are macules; a raised mole or wart is a papule.