Weal
A weal is another (non-medical) term used to refer to similar types of skin lesion as hives, nettle rash, urticaria (the medical term), and wheals.
Generally, weals are rounded or flat-topped elevated lesions caused by broad flares of swollen skin containing an excessive accumulation of fluid. The medical term for "swollen with an excessive accumulation of fluid" is "edematous", although that word is not used in all medical textbooks.
Weals usually occur as a result of an allergic reaction and the release of histamine. Although usually transitory, weals can be a medical emergency if the lips, eyes, or tongue are affected because considerable swelling can occur.
See also skin conditions and disorders (all on one page). This may interest students of massage, reflexology, holistic treatments of various types, beauty therapies, and other health related courses.
Further information about skin includes the structure of skin (with diagram), an explanation of what dermatology means and includes and textbooks about dermatology.