Cellulite

Definition

Cellulite is actually a name due to collections of fat that push against the connective tissue beneath a person's skin. It often begins in an area of broken skin, often from a cut, burn, or an insect bite.

It is mostly happen on women because women have a higher percentage of body fat, especially in the "problem" areas of thighs and hips. Men, however have low percentage as compare to women.

Causes

A condition we impose on our body when we are inactive and tense. If we don't move around much, our muscles become flaccid and cause poor blood-flow.

Cellulitis may be caused by many different bacteria; the most common are those of the Streptococcus species. Streptococci spread very fast in the skin because they produce enzymes that hinder the ability of the tissue to confine the infection. The formation of cellulite is closely linked to the effects of hormones in the body, especially the female sex hormones.

Symptoms

The typical symptoms of cellulite are a dimpled, pitted and bulging “orange peel” or “mattress” appearance mainly around the hips, buttocks and thighs, and occasionally in the nape of the neck, the lower abdomen and the upper parts of the arms. In the early stages, this dimpling is only evident with a pinch test.

Cellulite could be easily identified on the basis of following symptoms:-

• It is localized. It is in definite areas and begins on the inside surface of the thighs and the knees.
• The skin is infiltrated, padded and has the elastic consistency of a sheet of rubber.
• The skin is not mobile.
• The skin hurts when touched.
• Bruises appear very easily.

Treatment

Treatment sometimes requires a stay in the hospital. This is common if antibiotics must be given to infected persons, but it is also considered if you have signs of complications such as a high fever. It will be difficult for you to have follow-up care with a health professional.

Water, suction, laser, massage and now there is the electric muscle stimulation is also a good treatment. In this type treatment electric currents passing through pads placed on the body cause the muscles to contract and relax alternatively. A good work out no doubt to build the muscles, but to what extent it is good for cellulite is really hard to say. Body Brushing removes dead cells from the surface of the skin, making it easy for toxins to be removed.

Wearing pantyhose helps to reduce cellulite. Wear those that are body shaping and contour your thighs. Pantyhose press the fat and help circulation. Make a body wrap at home using coffee and seaweed to reduce cellulite.

Although female hormones may play a role in contributing to this fat distribution, cellulite is not treatable by hormone therapy.