What is the term for a discolored area on the skin that is neither raised nor depressed?

A macule refers to a flat, discolored area on the skin that does not have any elevation or depression compared to the surrounding skin. This term is typically used to describe small spots or patches, which can be of various colors, such as red, brown, or white. Unlike other skin lesions, a macule is characterized by its flatness and lack of texture variance, making it easy to identify.

In contrast, a pustule is raised and filled with pus, a cyst is a closed sac-like structure containing fluid or semi-solid material, and a papule is a small, raised, solid bump on the skin. These differences highlight why the term macule is the most appropriate for describing a discolored area that remains level with the surrounding surface.