Cellulite

What it is?

The term cellulite refers to the dimpled appearance of the skin that some people have on their hips, thighs, and buttocks. Cellulite is much more common in women than in men because of differences in the way fat, muscle, and connective tissue are distributed in men’s and women’s skin. The lumpiness of cellulite is caused by fat deposits that push and distort the connective tissues beneath skin, leading to the characteristic changes in appearance of the skin. Cellulite has been medically referred to as edematous fibrosclerotic panniculopathy (EFP).

Cellulite is not related to the condition known as cellulitis, which is a spreading bacterial infection or inflammation of the skin and tissues beneath.

Symptoms

• The dimpled appearance of cellulite can be considered to be a normal variant — one way that many perfectly normal human beings look.
• Heredity, skin thickness, gender, the amount and distribution of body fat, and age can all influence the extent to which cellulite is present or visible.
• Cellulite is thought to occur due to shrinkage or shortening of the fibrous tissue cords that anchor the skin. While cellulite is more common in women than men, men can also be affected.
• Cellulite occurs in people of all races living all around the globe. Although female hormones may play a role in contributing to this pattern of fat distribution, cellulite is not treatable by hormone therapy.

Causes

• Cellulite is more common in women than in men.
• Having a family history of cellulite is another risk factor.
• Pregnancy and an inactive lifestyle may increase the risk of developing cellulite.