What are small, elevated lesions that are typically red and often itchy known as?

Small, elevated lesions that are typically red and often itchy are known as papules. These are superficial lesions that vary in size and can be found in various conditions, including allergies, insect bites, or inflammatory skin conditions. Papules have a raised appearance, can be soft to the touch, and are often a sign of irritation or inflammation in the skin.

The characteristics of papules, such as their elevation and color, distinguish them from other types of lesions. For example, comedones are clogged hair follicles that can present as open or closed bumps but are not particularly red or itchy. Excoriations, on the other hand, refer to areas of skin that have been scraped or scratched, which may occur as a result of itching papules but are not initially elevated lesions themselves. Warts are benign growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and have a distinct appearance, usually rough and not typically classified as itchy red lesions. Hence, papules are accurately defined by the features described in the question.