Which term best describes the small red bumps seen in inflammatory conditions of the skin?

The term that best describes small red bumps seen in inflammatory conditions of the skin is "vesicles." Vesicles are fluid-filled sacs that can develop as a result of certain skin conditions, often presenting as small, raised, and red lesions on the skin. They are typically associated with inflammatory responses, such as those caused by allergies, infections, or irritations.

In the context of dermatology, vesicles are specifically marked by their size and fluid content, which differentiates them from other types of skin lesions. The other terms, while relevant in dermatology, refer to different characteristics: bullae are larger fluid-filled blisters, macules are flat spots on the skin that are not raised, and patches are larger areas of skin that may change color but do not have the same raised, bump-like appearance that vesicles do. Thus, the defining features of vesicles align perfectly with the description given in the question regarding small red bumps in inflammatory skin conditions.