wheal-and-flare reaction

wheal-and-flare reaction

n.

The characteristic immediate reaction to an injected allergen in a skin test, in which an irregular blanched wheal appears, surrounded by an area of redness. Also called wheal-and-erythema reaction.

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wheal-and-flare reaction (wēlˑ -and-flerˈ rē·akˑ·shn),

n a three-stage reaction that develops on the surface of the skin because of injury or exposure of the body to an antigen via injection. The condition is characterized by redness and swelling that results from release of histamine.

Wheal-and-flare reaction.