Cellulite – Its Appearance, Characteristics and Causes
Cellulite is a term which describes the physical condition in human beings when the skin in the lower limb, abdomen and pelvic region becomes lumpy and dimpled, thus resembling cottage cheese. Having been categorized as a normal condition instead of a medical disorder, cellulite comprises of collections of fat which push against the connective tissue underneath the skin and make it appear lumpy in the process.
‘Cellulite’ as a term was coined and used for the first time in the 1920s’ and was particularly in vogue during the 1960s’ when it was reported by journals and magazines to have journeyed across the Atlantic Ocean. Also referred to as the orange peel syndrome and cottage cheese skin, the usage of cellulite during the industrial era was meant as a reference to people who were plump or were not blessed with aesthetic skin.
Since the appearance of cellulite is based on hormonal components, this condition is more prevalent in women rather than men although men suffering from androgen deficiency are equally prone to it. The structural differences between the stored fat between men and women are also responsible for the appearance of cellulite in form of dimples.
There are a number of causes of cellulite but the main causes are age, lifestyle, diet, genetics and hormones. The chances of having cellulite increase with the progression of age since the tone and condition of the skin along with its nutrition and regeneration capacity for underlying tissues decrease as an individual grows older.
The lifestyle of an individual has an important bearing on the appearance of cellulite as an inactive or a sedentary lifestyle cause the veins and the lymph vessels to stretch resulting in poor circulation of blood and fluid retention. Apart from lack of exercise, cellulite can also be caused stress, smoking, insufficient water consumption and an improper diet.
Occurrence of cellulite has been linked to the consumption of fatty meat, processed food which is fried or grilled, food with high salt content, alcohol, caffeine, junk food and food-stuffs laced with chemical additives. Since such food-stuffs contain toxins in high quantities, their repeated intake results in the gradual build up of toxins within the fatty tissues finally manifesting in form of cellulite.
Heredity and genetic factors play an influential role in cellulite formation as these are the factors which determine the structure and composition of fat and dermal tissues in an individual’s body. It is due to this reason that the probability of appearance of cellulite in future generations can be determined through its incidence in the past generations.
Cellulite is more common in women because it is linked to the two female hormones namely estrogen and progesterone. While estrogen determines the location of concentration of fat cells, progesterone causes fluid retention and weight gain and thus the action of both causes cellulite to appear in certain parts of the body.
Although there are several treatment therapies for cellulite like use of pharmaceutical drugs, physical and mechanical methods, use of compression garments and alteration of lifestyle, these methods are neither scientific nor have they been medically proven. However, a combination of proper nutrition and an exercise routine on a daily basis can reduce the external manifestation of cellulite to a great extent and thereby assist in enhancing one’s appearance.
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There have been situations wherein the early symptoms of celulite have not been visible at all and it is the second stage that is directly visible in the form of orange peel skin recognized by puffed tissue. However, as treatment at this early stage of celulite may be neglected, it consequently causes damage to skin and tissues, thereby affecting circulation of blood.
In the advanced stages of celulite, cold and concentrated tissues comprising of fat and fiber are visible in several parts of the body. This stage of celulite is distinguished by fluid retention that disfigures the body structure and leads to swelling of tissues due to the fats deposits.
As per recent research, it has come forth that celulite and its incidence is not related to fat cells but is associated with connective tissues that are responsible for the positioning of fats of the human body. Therefore, this condition is believed to originate when there is damage in the drainage system of the fatty cells lying beneath the skin. It is because of this that bruises and cuts take longer time to heal.
Celulite is mainly of two types: hard and soft. The former one cannot be treated easily. However, it rarely occurs. The soft celulite is commonly found and can be easily treated. The hard type generally occurs amongst people who spend a lot of time on foot like dancers and runners. It can be recognized by the color and texture of the skin as the affected area shows discoloration and also seems colder in comparison.
Apart from the two types mentioned above, there is another one that is known as orbital celulite. This is a severe tissue disease that occurs in the area around the eyes. This type of celulite is largely linked to sinus infections and an organism called Hemophilus influenza. This form can even spread to the eyelids, eyebrows and cheek area.
There are a number of reasons that can be accounted for the occurrence of orbital celulite. These are pneumonia, meningitis, sinus infections, inflammation of the epiglottis and the orbit’s straight vaccination from a surgical procedure or shock. The early symptoms of celulite noticed in this condition may be poor vision, chemosis, eye-ache and paralysis of eye actions.
Prevention being a better option than cure, one should be cautious of the symptoms of orbital celulite. It is advisable to keep a check and take all necessary steps to avoid its occurrence. Some of the precautions that can keep control over the incidence of celulite are thorough eye examinations, proper treatment of any infection in the eyes, the HiB vaccination and being cautious throughout.
Although celulite can occur in both men and women, it is the women who are commonly affected due to the presence of female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Celulite, which is largely visible in thighs, hips and buttocks region of the body, can be attributed to a number of factors like improper lifestyles, unhealthy eating habits, smoking, stress obesity, lack of exercising and pregnancy.