What are maculae in terms of skin characteristics?

Maculae refer specifically to flat spots or discolorations on the skin that do not have any elevation. This characteristic is essential in dermatology as it helps differentiate between various skin conditions. A macula is usually defined by a change in color, which could be due to various factors such as blood flow, pigmentation, or a response to an injury or irritation.

In contrast, raised lesions are indicative of different types of skin manifestations, such as papules or plaques, and cysts are typically encapsulated structures that may contain fluid or semi-solid material, distinguishing them from flat discolorations. Chronic skin conditions involve ongoing or recurring ailments, which also do not describe the specific characteristic of maculae. Thus, recognizing maculae as flat spots allows for better diagnosis and understanding of skin health.