Skin edema, also known as swelling, is a condition where fluid builds up in the tissues of the skin, causing it to appear puffy and stretched. This occurs when there's too much fluid in the tissues. Common causes of skin edema include congestive heart failure or venous insufficiency (a vein not working properly).
Symptoms of skin edema include:
- Swelling or puffiness of the tissue right under the skin, especially in the legs or arms.
- Stretched or shiny skin.
Here are some additional points about skin edema:
- It can also affect the brain, lungs, and other organs.
- The swelling can be localized (in one area) or generalized (all over the body).
- Depending on the cause, it can be temporary or long-lasting.
- Treatment for skin edema focuses on addressing the underlying cause.
