Skin or Soft Tissue Swelling
Skin or soft tissue swelling is a common symptom that can occur due to various underlying conditions, ranging from minor to serious. Swelling refers to an abnormal enlargement or puffiness of a particular area of the body, often caused by fluid accumulation, inflammation, or injury.
Common Causes of Skin or soft tissue swelling:
1. Injury or Trauma: Swelling may occur after cuts, bruises, sprains, or fractures due to an inflammatory response in the tissues.
2. Infections: Bacterial or viral infections can lead to swelling in the affected area. For example, cellulitis (a bacterial skin infection) often causes redness, warmth, and swelling.
3. Allergic Reactions: Exposure to allergens (such as insect bites, pollen, or certain foods) can cause localized swelling as part of an allergic reaction.
4. Edema: This is the buildup of fluid in the body’s tissues, leading to swelling. It can occur due to underlying conditions like heart failure, kidney disease, or chronic venous insufficiency.
5. Cysts or Tumors: Soft tissue cysts (like ganglion cysts) or benign/malignant tumors can cause localized swelling or lumps in the skin or deeper tissues.
6. Inflammatory Conditions: Diseases such as arthritis or autoimmune disorders like lupus can cause soft tissue swelling, particularly around the joints.