What is subcutaneous edema?

Subcutaneous edema, also called peripheral edema, is the accumulation of fluid in the interstitial spaces just below the skin.

Clinically, the skin takes on a swollen and puffy appearance, and it can be readily indented with a finger, with the indentation refilling slowly. Depending on the cause, the edema may either be generalized (e.g., congestive heart failure, kidney failure, hypoalbuminemia) or more localized (e.g., deep venous insufficiency, lymphedema, allergic reaction, insect bites, burns, fractures).

- When pressing the skin of a person with subcutaneous edema, the skin can be readily indented with a finger and can take a few seconds to resume its original shape. This is also known as "pitting edema".

- When pressing the skin of a person without subcutaneous edema, the tissue will briefly turn white then quickly resume to its original color. This is referred to as "blanching".