What term describes distended capillaries?

The term that describes distended capillaries is telangiectasia. These are small, dilated blood vessels that are visible near the surface of the skin and can appear as red, blue, or purple lines. They are often associated with various factors, including genetic predisposition, sun exposure, and certain medical conditions. Telangiectasia can be a benign condition or a symptom of underlying issues, such as rosacea or liver disease, but they primarily indicate the presence of enlarged capillaries.

The other terms listed have different meanings. Melasma refers to hyperpigmentation of the skin, typically presenting as brown or blue-gray patches, commonly on the face. Sclerotherapy is a treatment method used to eliminate varicose veins and spider veins, which involves injecting a solution that causes the veins to collapse and fade. Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease characterized by the hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues, which is unrelated to the appearance of capillaries. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why telangiectasia is the appropriate term for distended capillaries.