What term describes the condition of having excess fluid under the skin?

The condition of having excess fluid under the skin is referred to as edema. This occurs when there is an accumulation of fluid in the interstitial spaces of tissues, often resulting in swelling in the affected area. Edema can be local (affecting a specific area) or systemic (impacting a larger region of the body) and can result from various factors, including injury, inflammation, and certain medical conditions.

Understanding edema is important because it can be a symptom of underlying issues such as heart failure, kidney disease, or liver problems. The fluid accumulation results from changes in hydrostatic pressure, oncotic pressure, or permeability of blood vessels, leading to excess fluid extravasation into surrounding tissues.

Other terms like adequacy, hematoma, and hypovolemia describe different concepts. Adequacy does not relate to fluid accumulation but rather the quality or sufficiency of a measure or outcome. Hematoma specifically refers to a localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels, often caused by trauma or injury. Hypovolemia describes a state of decreased blood volume, which is the opposite of excess fluid accumulation, and isn't associated with swelling under the skin.