Air trapped in the tissues under the skin is called subcutaneous emphysema. This occurs when air gets into the subcutaneous layer, the innermost layer of the skin. Subcutaneous emphysema can be a symptom of a benign condition or a sign of a more serious underlying medical issue. It's characterized by a crackling or popping sensation when the affected area is palpated.
Several sources confirm this definition:
- MedlinePlus: States that subcutaneous emphysema occurs when air gets into tissues under the skin. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003286.htm
- Medical News Today: Defines subcutaneous emphysema as air becoming trapped in tissues beneath the skin. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/subcutaneous-emphysema
- Verywell Health: Specifies that the air is trapped in the subcutaneous layer, the innermost layer of the three skin layers. https://www.verywellhealth.com/subcutaneous-emphysema-4783487
- Wikipedia: Refers to air under the skin as subcutaneous crepitation, a type of crepitus, and also uses the terms surgical emphysema and tissue emphysema. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subcutaneous_emphysema
It is important to note that the presence of subcutaneous emphysema warrants medical attention to determine the underlying cause.
