What is Cellulite

Cellulite may be referred to as a topographic change in the skin, which occurs mostly on post-pubertal females. It appears as skin topography modification of nodularity and dimpling mostly on the lower limbs, abdomen and pelvic region. Its cause is believed to be herniation of the subcutaneous fat located in the connective tissues, which are fibrous causing an orange-like peel, cottage cheese or padded appearance. The term is more of a description as opposed to the physical object. Cellulite existence as a medical disorder is still not proven. The term came to be used initially in 1920 while its publication appeared first in the year 1960. The term faces a lot of controversies as it is thought to be inappropriate especially in industrialized society and also because it is used to describe plus size women.

Cellulite is estimated to occur in around 80%-90% of women after the puberty stage. Its presence is attributed to hormonal changes, as it is very rare in males. However, it has been reported in males suffering from Androgen Deficient Conditions such as hypogonadism, prostrate cancer, klinefelter's syndrome and postcastration state. The condition in men becomes severe as the condition for androgen deficiency becomes worse.
It is pretty hard to determine what causes cellulite as the causes range from hormones to diet of the individual. It is strongly believed that a change in the metabolic physiology and dieting causes cellulite. The causes include: altering the structure of connective tissues, genetic factors, hormonal factors, dimorphic sex-specific skin architecture, alteration of subtle inflammatory, extra-cellular matrix and microcirculatory system. However, hormonal factor plays a significant role in cellulite formation. A hormone called Estrogens is known to aggravate and initiate cellulite formation. Other hormones involved in cellulite development include: catecholamines, insulin, nor adrenaline, adrenaline, prolactin and thyroid hormones.
Some individuals are also susceptible to cellulite development because of their genetic composition. There are other predisposing factors, which affect initiation and development of cellulite. They include: subcutaneous fat distribution, circulation insufficiency, lymphatic predisposition, biotype, race and sex. A person's lifestyle contributes to cellulite formation too. High levels of stress increase catecholamine that triggers cellulite formation. Some dieting programs which decreases the body fat and diminishes chemicals, which makes cellulite conspicuous. Consuming a diet rich in fats leads to cellulite development. It is also rampant among smokers, lazy people and to those maintains a position for a long time. Tight under garments restrict blood flow to the bottoms and this may contribute to cellulite development.

There are numerous therapies used in cellulite treatment but their efficiency is limited. Mechanical and physical therapeutical methods that are believed to remove cellulite include: heat therapy, Radio Frequency Therapy, Radial Waves Therapy, pneumatic massages, ultrasound, magnetic therapy, electrical stimulation and Endermologie. Some drugs, which act on fatty tissues, may also be used but none of the above-mentioned methods are 100% effective.
The condition is also described synonymously as adiposis edematosa, Status Protrusus Cutis, dermopanniculosis deformans and also gynoid lipodystrophy. The condition can be classified as grade one, grade two and grade three. Grade one is mild and can only be detected through a microscopic examination, while grade two appears like a skin with low elasticity and grade three appears like orange peel symptom.