Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of secondary skin lesions?

Secondary skin lesions are alterations of the skin that develop in response to a primary lesion or injury, often as a result of processes like healing, infection, or inflammation. Macules, which are flat, discolored spots on the skin, typically do not result from any change or response to a primary lesion; rather, they are considered primary lesions themselves.

In contrast, ulcers, crusts, and scabs all represent changes that occur related to injury, infection, or other skin conditions. For instance, an ulcer is a specific type of secondary lesion that involves a loss of skin tissue. Crusts form when bodily fluids leak out of a lesion and dry, creating a crusty surface. Scabs are similar to crusts but specifically refer to the dried blood that forms over a wound as it heals.

Understanding the distinction between primary and secondary lesions is crucial for identifying and treating skin conditions effectively. Recognizing that macules are primary lesions helps differentiate them from secondary ones like ulcers, crusts, and scabs, which are direct results of various skin processes.