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wheal
(hwēl)
(wēl)
the typical lesion of urticaria, a localized, usually temporary area of edema on the body surface, often accompanied by severe itching. Called also welt.
wheal and erythema reaction
, wheal and flare reaction
the characteristic local cutaneous reaction consisting of an elevated, blanched wheal surrounded by a spreading “flare” of erythema that occurs within a few minutes at the site of a minor nonpenetrating skin injury and also in response to administration
of allergen to an atopic individual; it is caused by release of histamine from mast cells.
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