Itchy swollen lesions on the skin, often referred to as hives, are known as?

Itchy swollen lesions on the skin commonly referred to as hives are known as wheals. Wheals are raised areas that occur due to localized swelling of the skin, often in response to an allergic reaction or an irritant. They can vary in size and may appear suddenly, typically accompanied by itching. This phenomenon occurs when histamine and other chemicals are released into the skin, leading to inflammation and fluid accumulation.

Understanding this is crucial for estheticians and skincare professionals, as recognizing wheals as a sign of an allergic reaction or sensitivity can aid in determining appropriate treatment or product use. The other terms listed refer to different dermatological conditions: chilblains are inflammatory lesions resulting from exposure to cold; bumps is a nonspecific term that can refer to various skin irregularities; and nodules are firm, raised areas within the skin or just underneath the skin, which are generally not itchy and often do not have the same sudden onset or allergic nature as wheals.