What type of skin lesion typically lasts only a few hours and can be triggered by an allergy?

The type of skin lesion that typically lasts only a few hours and can be triggered by an allergy is a wheal. Wheals are raised, itchy areas of skin that often result from an allergic reaction, such as to a bug bite or contact with an allergen. They are characterized by a rapid onset, can vary in size, and usually resolve quickly, often within hours.

This transient nature of wheals is a key distinguishing feature, as they appear and disappear within a short time frame. In contrast, other types of skin lesions like patches and macules are more stable, persisting for longer periods, and plaques are generally thicker and can remain for days to weeks. Understanding these characteristics helps in identifying wheals and recognizing their association with allergic responses.