What term describes the buildup of interstitial fluid between cells in the skin?

The term that describes the buildup of interstitial fluid between cells in the skin is "edema." This condition occurs when excess fluid accumulates in the spaces between cells, which can happen for various reasons, including injury, inflammation, or an underlying health issue. Edema can lead to swelling and is often noticeable in areas such as the hands, feet, and ankles. In the context of skin health and treatments, understanding edema is crucial for an electrologist, especially when assessing skin conditions or reactions to treatments.

Inflammation refers to the body's response to injury or infection, characterized by redness, heat, swelling, and pain, but it does not specifically address the fluid buildup concept. Ischemia pertains to a lack of blood supply to a tissue, which can lead to damage, while necrosis indicates death of tissue due to various factors, generally associated with severe damage or lack of blood flow. None of these terms accurately capture the specific phenomenon of fluid accumulation seen in edema.