What is the medical term for a single permanently dilated capillary?

The medical term for a single permanently dilated capillary is telangiectasia. This term specifically refers to small, dilated blood vessels that are visible on the surface of the skin, often appearing as fine red or purple lines. Telangiectasia can occur as a result of various factors, including genetics, sun exposure, or certain medical conditions.

Understanding this term is important as it helps in identifying vascular lesions and distinguishing them from other skin conditions. For instance, erythema refers to redness of the skin caused by increased blood flow, but it does not specifically denote permanent dilation of capillaries. Burrow is typically associated with a type of skin lesion or tunnel made by certain parasites, while a wheal refers to a raised, itchy area on the skin, often associated with allergic reactions. Each of these terms describes different conditions or reactions in the skin, but none specifically denote the presence of a single dilated capillary as telangiectasia does.