What is the common term for swelling due to fluid retention that can lead to hives?

The correct answer, which is the common term for swelling due to fluid retention that can lead to hives, is urticaria. Urticaria, often referred to as hives, is characterized by raised, itchy welts on the skin that occur when the body releases histamine in response to allergens or other triggers. This histamine release causes the blood vessels to leak fluid, leading to swelling, which is the hallmark of urticaria.

While angioedema also refers to swelling, it specifically affects deeper layers of the skin and can accompany hives, but the term urticaria is more commonly associated with the visible rash. Dermatitis refers to inflammation of the skin which may cause redness and irritation but is not synonymous with hives or fluid retention. Eczema is a type of dermatitis that presents as dry, itchy skin but does not involve the swelling from fluid retention characteristic of hives. Thus, urticaria is directly related to the mechanism of fluid retention and the corresponding skin manifestation of hives.