Which type of venom produces raised areas on the skin that may itch or be intensely painful?

• A. Hemorrhagic toxin.
• B. Hemolytic toxin.
• C. Urticating toxin.
• D. Neurotoxin

Answer: (C)

Urticating toxins are designed to irritate the skin and produce welts that rise above the surface. When certain insects or caterpillars with urticating hairs come into contact with you, the venom is delivered through tiny spines or barbs in the hairs. This triggers a local inflammatory response, releasing histamine and other mediators that cause itching, swelling, and often intense pain. The raised areas you feel are these wheals forming under the skin.

In contrast, hemorrhagic toxins mainly damage blood vessels and can cause bleeding; hemolytic toxins destroy red blood cells; neurotoxins disrupt the nervous system. Those effects are not typically associated with the localized, itchy, raised skin lesions described here, which is why this option best fits the scenario.