Which description best matches a wheal (primary skin lesion)?

Which description best matches a wheal (primary skin lesion)?

• A. A flat discoloration less than 1 cm
• B. A pigmented patch larger than 2 cm
• C. A raised solid, inflamed, swollen, itchy lesion
• D. A crusty scab

Answer: (C)

Wheals are raised, edematous skin elevations that are usually itchy. The description that best fits a wheal is a raised, swollen, itchy lesion, because wheals occur when fluid leaks into the superficial dermis, causing a swelling that lifts the skin and often itches. They are not flat color changes (which are macules or patches) and not crusts. Wheals may blanch when pressed and tend to be transient, as seen in conditions like hives.

Wheals are raised, edematous skin elevations that are usually itchy. The description that best fits a wheal is a raised, swollen, itchy lesion, because wheals occur when fluid leaks into the superficial dermis, causing a swelling that lifts the skin and often itches. They are not flat color changes (which are macules or patches) and not crusts. Wheals may blanch when pressed and tend to be transient, as seen in conditions like hives.