Macules Causes, Treatments and More
Article Sources
- 1. Julia Benedetti, et al. 'Description of Skin Lesions - Dermatologic Disorders.' Merck Manuals Professional Edition, Merck Manuals, www.merckmanuals.com/professional/dermatologic-disorders/approach-to-the-dermatologic-patient/description-of-skin-lesions
- 2. Plensdorf, Scott, et al. 'Pigmentation Disorders: Diagnosis and Management.' American Family Physician, 15 Dec. 2017, www.aafp.org/afp/2017/1215/p797.html
- 3. Madireddy, Sowmya. 'Hypopigmented Macules.' StatPearls /[Internet/]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 9 Oct. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563245/
- 4. Stulberg, Daniel L., et al. 'Common Hyperpigmentation Disorders in Adults: Part I. Diagnostic Approach, Cafe Au Lait Macules, Diffuse Hyperpigmentation, Sun Exposure, and Phototoxic Reactions.' American Family Physician, 15 Nov. 2003, www.aafp.org/afp/2003/1115/p1955.html
- 5. Toledo Peral, Cinthya Lourdes, et al. 'An Application for Skin Macules Characterization Based on a 3-Stage Image-Processing Algorithm for Patients with Diabetes.' Journal of Healthcare Engineering, Hindawi, 16 Dec. 2018, www.hindawi.com/journals/jhe/2018/9397105/
- 6. 'Achromic Naevus.' Achromic Naevus | DermNet NZ, www.dermnetnz.org/topics/achromic-naevus/
- 7. Jha, Suman K. 'Cafe Au Lait Macules.' StatPearls /[Internet/]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 16 Nov. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557492/
Removal Options
Macules related to underlying conditions or medications may resolve after the health issue is addressed. Most macules are permanent, although some spots may fade over time. Laser therapy is a popular removal method. Unfortunately, laser therapy may cause inflammatory hyperpigmentation, scarring or hypopigmentation in certain cases.4Stulberg, Daniel L., et al. ‘Common Hyperpigmentation Disorders in Adults: Part I. Diagnostic Approach, Cafe Au Lait Macules, Diffuse Hyperpigmentation, Sun Exposure, and Phototoxic Reactions.’ American Family Physician, 15 Nov. 2003, www.aafp.org/afp/2003/1115/p1955.html
Surgical removal is an option for small numbers of macules. Cold liquid, such as liquid nitrogen, or specialized instruments are used to remove lesions through cryosurgery. Electrosurgery uses an electrical current to destroy affected skin tissue.2Plensdorf, Scott, et al. ‘Pigmentation Disorders: Diagnosis and Management.’ American Family Physician, 15 Dec. 2017, www.aafp.org/afp/2017/1215/p797.html
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