What characteristic distinguishes café au lait spots from other skin discolorations in infants?

Café au lait spots are characterized by being flat and irregular in shape. These hyperpigmented macules are typically light brown in color and vary in size and distribution across the skin. Unlike raised lesions, these spots do not have a bumpy texture and do not present with symptoms such as itchiness. Their flat nature helps to distinguish them from other types of skin lesions that may be elevated or have a different appearance.

Additionally, café au lait spots do not change color frequently; they remain relatively consistent in their appearance over time. They can appear anywhere on the body, not confined to the face, which also differentiates them from certain other skin conditions. This combination of being flat and irregular plays a crucial role in their identification during clinical assessments of infants.