Washington Master Esthetics Practice Exam

What term refers to a red, sore, bump without a whitehead?

1. Comedone

2. Ulcer

3. Papule

4. Vesicle

The correct answer is: Papule

The term that describes a red, sore bump without a whitehead is a papule. Papules are small, raised areas on the skin, and they can be inflamed or red, indicating irritation or infection. They typically do not contain pus like a pustule would, which is characterized by a white or yellow center indicating the presence of infection. In contrast, a comedone refers to clogged hair follicles, which can either be open (blackheads) or closed (whiteheads), but they don't match the description of a red bump. An ulcer is a deeper loss of tissue that often occurs due to infection or pressure, presenting as an open sore, which is not consistent with a red bump without an opening. A vesicle is a small, fluid-filled blister, and while it can appear raised, it generally contains clear fluid and does not fit the description of a sore, red bump. Thus, the most accurate term for a red, sore bump without a whitehead is indeed papule.