PSI Barbering Practice Exam

A wheal can be caused by which of the following?

1. Insect bites

2. Fungal infections

3. Viral infections

4. Friction

The correct answer is: Insect bites

A wheal is a raised, itchy area of skin that is usually a result of an allergic reaction, irritation, or inflammation. Insect bites are one of the most common causes of wheals, as they can trigger a localized immune response. When an insect bites, it introduces saliva into the skin that may contain allergens, provoking such responses as redness, swelling, and the formation of a wheal in the affected area. In contrast, while fungal infections and viral infections may cause skin changes or rashes, they do not typically result in wheals. Instead, they can present as other types of lesions like patches, blisters, or other forms of inflammation. Friction can lead to skin irritation or conditions such as friction blisters but does not specifically cause wheals in the same way that an insect bite does. Therefore, the association of wheals with insect bites makes it the correct answer.