Cellulitis: what it is, causes, types and treatments

Its name makes it sound like a medical condition, but cellulite is nothing more than normal fat under the skin.

The fat looks lumpy because it pushes against the connective tissue, causing the skin above it to pucker. Cellulite is not harmful, Many people, however, would like to get rid of it because of its appearance.

What causes cellulite:

Having cellulite doesn’t mean you’re overweight, even thin people can have it. If you are overweight, however, weight loss can reduce cellulite .
Cellulite is more common among women than men. If other women in your family have cellulite , there’s a good chance you will too. Other factors that influence how much cellulite you have include:

• Bad eating habits
• Fashion diet
• slow metabolism
• lack of physical activity
• Hormonal changes
• Dehydration
• total body fat
• Thickness and color of your skin

Cellulite tends to be less visible on darker skin. If you have fair skin and plan to go out in a bathing suit or short shorts, applying a self-tanner can make the bumps and dimples on your thighs less noticeable.

Cellulite treatments:

There are many products and treatments that promise to get rid of cellulite on thighs and buttocks. But there is little evidence to show that many of them work well or for long. Here’s what you should know about some of the options:

1. Cellulite creams:

These creams are said to dissolve fat and smooth the skin. But many cellulite creams contain aminophylline, a prescription drug approved for the treatment of asthma .

There is no scientific evidence that these creams are effective against cellulite and, for some people, they can be harmful. Its apparent effect on cellulite may be due to narrowing arterial vessels and forcing water from the skin, which can be dangerous for people with circulatory problems. Aminophylline can also cause an allergic reaction in some people.

2. Liposuction:

This is a surgical procedure to remove fat deposits from the body. Liposuction, however, removes deep fat, not cellulite , which is just under the skin. The American Academy of Dermatology warns that liposuction can worsen the appearance of cellulite by creating more depressions in the skin.

3. Mesotherapy:

It is a therapy originally developed in Europe to relieve pain from inflammatory skin conditions. These are injectable substances such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and enzymes into the tissue just under the skin. Mesotherapy can break down fat and bring about a slight improvement in the appearance of cellulite . But it also carries risks, which include swelling, infection and uneven contours.

4. Massages and Spa Treatments:

Massages and other spa treatments can have a temporary effect on the dimpled appearance of the skin. But they do not remove cellulite . Any effect is short-lived and likely due to the removal of excess fluid.

5. Laser treatment:

The FDA has authorized the use of a device that uses laser energy to treat cellulite . According to the manufacturer, the device can melt the fat under the skin, break up the fibrous bands under the skin, and stimulate collagen production .

What lies ahead in cellulite treatment:

Although reviews of current therapies are mixed, doctors are always on the lookout for new cellulite treatments . One procedure involves using red and infrared light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to emit certain wavelengths known to disrupt fatty tissue, causing it to shrink. This procedure is combined with rollers and suctions to smooth out the fibrous bands of connective tissue that cause dimples.

Although such procedures may be a hope for the future, for now, the best option is exercise and, if necessary, weight loss. Experts agree that the most effective exercise routine for cellulite is one that incorporates aerobic exercise and strength training, along with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fiber.