Cellulitis

Definition

Cellulite is a particular modification of fat cells and collagen fibers. Cellulite is actually a result of an excessive accumulation of fat in the deeper layers of the skin. Cellulite reduces blood circulation and causes problems with cell metabolism.

It also concerns the mobilization of water in some parts of the human body. Known by other names such as “orange peel”, “mattress” or superficial lipodystrophy, and called Dermatopaniculopathy edematous-fibrosclerotic by scientists. Cellulite is an aesthetically unsightly condition that mostly affects women.

Causes

Remember that the skin is made up of three superimposed layers: the epidermis that forms the outer covering, in which the dermis and the hypodermis meet successively. The latter has adipose cells or adipocytes. There, they are divided into small spaces bounded above by the epidermis, by the muscles, and laterally by the fibers.

When fat reserves are overloaded, these spaces enclosed by the fibers expand and give the surface of the skin an irregular appearance like an orange peel from the outside. It also leads to compression of local irrigation vessels. Subsequently, waste or toxins are poorly eliminated and water is retained in the body. It is the formation of cellulite.

Among the hormones, estrogens are by far the most frequently responsible for the excessive production of adipocytes. Hormonal disturbances and certain physiological periods in women drive the “orange peel” appearance. The same happens in the phase of puberty, pregnancy and climacteric.

– Women who take contraceptives (the pill), antihistamines or corticoids are easily affected by cellulite.

– Some bad eating habits favor an excess of lipid reserves in the body. People who like very salty, fatty foods that are low in fiber, starch or sugar are more exposed to the problems of cellulite.

A sedentary lifestyle increases the accumulation of fat and impedes the circulation of venous and lymphatic flow. Obesity promotes the supplemental production of hormones, which are also responsible for the “orange peel” appearance.

– The habit of smoking accentuates the blood circulation problems caused by cellulite.

– In addition, disturbance of venous return, such as varicose veins, lymphoedema or lymph retention due to obstruction of lymphatic vessels and fluid retention, aggravates the “mattress” appearance.

– The hereditary factor and stress play a significant role in the formation of cellulite.

Symptoms

Cellulite mainly affects women, it is manifested by the unsightly appearance of an “orange peel” appearance on the surface of the skin.

It is usually located on the neck, buttocks, abdomen, the lateral region behind the upper arms and the back of the thighs. The cellulite area varies depending on the morphology of each individual. Cellulite in thinner women appears mainly on the thighs and buttocks, forming the famous “culottes”, while in most women, it appears around the breasts, thighs or bellies.

Areas affected by lipodystrophy feel heavy and tight. They become painful on palpation or pressure.

Ripples on the inside of the knees and ankles come from venous and lymphatic insufficiency. The skin easily bruises and spots and may have varicose formations. The patient complains of heaviness, cramps and tingling in the legs.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of cellulitis is easy, compression of the affected skin shows the irregular aspect of the skin surface. Research on the causes and risk factors can guide the patient and physician to take appropriate therapeutic measures.

Complications

Cellulite bothers a lot of women because of the aesthetic problem. Over the course of its evolution, subcutaneous fat becomes thicker and denser. They constrict blood vessels and nerves. As a result, patients suffer from physical embarrassment and a hypersensitivity to pain when touching even a small area. In the long term, “the orange peel” leads to the accumulation of toxins in the body.

Treatments

Cellulite in the most advanced stage cannot be dramatically eliminated. The aim of treatment in this case is to make it less unpleasant for the skin. Repeat sessions are performed until the desired aesthetic result is achieved.

Sports activities are essential in the fight against cellulite. They must combine obligatorily with the change of eating habits. You should drink water (2 liters a day), moderate salt, sugar and flour. The “anti-cellulite” regimen should also be done with the consumption of vegetables and fruits.

Manual massage is complementary to other methods for treating cellulite. It should be done every other day in a peaceful environment. The techniques corresponding to each stage must be very precise and firm, without traumatizing the skin. Take a shower before the massage, this increases the effectiveness of the essential oils used and promotes muscle relaxation.

The physiotherapist treats cellulite with lymphatic drainage. This massage consisting of different degrees of pressure improves blood circulation and removes toxins from the part affected by cellulite.

Elevation of the legs, changes in posture and cold baths restrict the development of cellulite in the lower limbs.

Currently, there are therapeutic methods that reduce the development of cellulite. Some creams and gels contain substances that reduce the rate of subcutaneous fat. It is still unclear whether these creams are really effective against cellulite. Seek advice from a specialist, such as a doctor or pharmacist.

Finally, mesotherapy and lipolysis are techniques that involve the injection of products into the same lesion and can help with cellulite.

Herbal medicine

– Green tea is one of the most used plants in the case of cellulite. Its components destroy and eliminate fat. They fluidify the vessels and eliminate toxins from the body’s organs.

– Seaweed also has a detoxifier.

Tips

Cellulite is often unavoidable, due to heredity, however, there are some precautions, such as improving your lifestyle towards a healthier direction, which can help reduce the risks (as we have already seen in the Cellulite Treatment section), that healthy

– Adopt a healthy diet;

– Exercise regularly;

– Give yourself time to relax, thus reducing stress;

– Drink plenty of water, 2 liters of water a day if possible;

– Avoid clothes that may interfere with blood and lymphatic circulation, and shoes with high heels;

– Consult your doctor to fully determine the cause of cellulite to treat it properly.

Jeanne Kenney
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I’m a stylist trainer, a content creator, and an entrepreneur passion. Virgo sign and Pisces ascendant, I move easily between my dreams, the crazy world I want, and my feet on the ground to carry out my projects.

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