Massachusetts State Board Esthetics Practice Exam

Which of the following describes an inflamed papule?

1. A macule

2. A bulla

3. A pustule

4. A cyst

The correct answer is: A pustule

An inflamed papule is characterized by a small, raised, solid pimple or swelling on the skin that is usually red and can be tender or painful. The correct answer, which identifies an inflamed papule as a pustule, is accurate because a pustule is a type of papule that is filled with pus, often due to an infection or inflammation within the skin. This association highlights the inflammatory aspect of the papule, making it visibly red and potentially swollen. Other types of skin lesions, such as macules and bullae, do not have the same characteristics. A macule is a flat, discolored spot on the skin, whereas a bulla refers to a large blister filled with fluid. A cyst is a closed sac under the skin that can be filled with fluid, air, or other material. Understanding these definitions helps clarify why a pustule is the correct response when describing an inflamed papule.