A small raised elevation of the skin that may develop pus is known as what?

The correct term for a small raised elevation of the skin that may develop pus is a pustule. A pustule is a small, inflamed, pus-filled blister on the skin, typically associated with conditions such as acne. They are characterized by their raised appearance and can vary in size. Pustules often arise from blocked hair follicles or irritation and can indicate an inflammatory response in the skin.

While papules are also small, raised lesions, they are usually solid and do not contain pus. They typically appear as small red bumps and can be a sign of conditions like allergic reactions or infections. Wheals are raised areas of the skin that result from edema, often as a response to allergens, but again do not contain pus. A follicle refers to the structure that hair grows from and does not describe a skin elevation.

Understanding these distinctions allows for accurate identification and treatment of various skin conditions, which is critical in esthetics.