Edema refers to the accumulation of fluid in the tissues, which results in swelling. This condition can occur because of various factors, including inflammation, injury, or underlying medical conditions. When fluid builds up, it commonly manifests as puffiness beneath the skin, particularly in areas such as the legs, ankles, or around the eyes. Understanding edema is important in aesthetics, as it can affect the appearance of the skin and may be relevant in procedures that involve skin health and aesthetics.
The other options describe different skin conditions or issues, such as excessive dryness, which relates to the lack of moisture in the skin; skin discoloration, which refers to changes in skin color; and inflamed tissue, which is associated with redness and swelling due to irritation or injury. However, none of these accurately capture the essence of what edema specifically describes.