What is the medical term for swelling caused by excessive fluid?

The medical term for swelling caused by excessive fluid is edema. This condition occurs when fluid accumulates in the tissues, leading to noticeable swelling in various parts of the body, such as the extremities or around the eyes. Edema can be a result of various underlying issues, including heart failure, kidney disease, or localized injury.

Understanding edema is crucial for skincare specialists as it can impact skin health and appearance, influencing treatment decisions and client consultations. In contrast, inflammation refers to the body's response to injury or infection, characterized by redness, heat, swelling, and pain. Erythema describes redness of the skin, often due to increased blood flow, and necrosis indicates tissue death due to lack of blood supply or infection, none of which specifically refer to fluid accumulation as edema does.