Louisiana Esthetics State Board Practice Test

What are wheals in the context of skin reactions?

1. Dark patches on the skin

2. Elevated red spots

3. Dry skin areas

4. Scales from psoriasis

The correct answer is: Elevated red spots

Wheals are characterized as elevated red spots that can occur on the skin as part of an allergic reaction or other conditions such as insect bites or hives. These wheals are typically raised above the surface of the surrounding skin, can vary in size, and are often accompanied by itching. The redness is often due to increased blood flow to the area as part of the inflammatory process. The other options indicate different types of skin conditions or reactions. For instance, dark patches on the skin typically refer to hyperpigmentation, which can have various causes but do not manifest as elevated spots. Dry skin areas are indicative of a lack of moisture and can result from environmental factors or skin conditions, but they do not have the elevated, red characteristics of wheals. Scales from psoriasis refer to thickened patches of skin that can be dry and scaly, but again, do not represent the raised, red wheals that are associated with allergic reactions.