Hawaii Massage License Practice Exam

Which type of lesion lasts only for a short period and is often itchy?

1. Pustule

2. Plague

3. Wheal

4. Fissure

The correct answer is: Wheal

The type of lesion that lasts only for a short period and is often itchy is referred to as a wheal. Wheals are raised, red, and usually itchy areas of the skin that result from an allergic reaction or irritation. They are characterized by a sudden appearance, often due to the release of histamines in response to allergens, leading to localized swelling. Wheals can appear and disappear rapidly, typically resolving in a few hours to a day, which distinguishes them from other types of lesions. This transient nature, combined with their pruritic (itchy) quality, is why they are commonly seen in conditions such as urticaria (hives) or allergic reactions. Other lesions mentioned have different characteristics: pustules contain pus and have a longer duration, plaques are raised areas with a more stable presence, and fissures are deep grooves in the skin that do not necessarily have an itchy component. Each of these types presents differently in both appearance and duration, making the wheal the correct choice for this question.