Telangiectasia is best described as?

• A. Premalignant sun-exposed growths
• B. Red itchy patches
• C. Thread-like red lines on the skin
• D. Lipid accumulation in macrophages

Answer: (C)

Telangiectasia refers to visible dilation of tiny superficial blood vessels in the skin, producing fine, thread-like red lines or networks. These vessels are close to the surface and often blanch with pressure because the blood inside them is being displaced. This finding is a vascular change, not a raised lesion, patch, or lipid deposit.

That’s why it fits best for thread-like red lines on the skin. Premalignant sun-exposed growths describe actinic keratoses, which are rough patches, not vascular lines. Red itchy patches point to inflammatory or dermatitis conditions. Lipid accumulation in macrophages describes xanthomas, which are lipid-filled lesions, not dilated vessels.