What are the main causes of cellulitis in the legs. How can you identify the symptoms of cellulitis. What are the most effective treatments for leg cellulitis. How can you prevent cellulitis from occurring in your legs. What are the potential complications of untreated cellulitis. When should you seek medical attention for cellulitis. How is cellulitis diagnosed and what tests may be performed.

Understanding Cellulitis: A Common Bacterial Skin Infection

Cellulitis is a widespread bacterial skin infection that affects millions of people each year. In the United States alone, over 14 million cases are reported annually. This condition can occur anywhere on the body, but it most commonly affects the lower legs and feet. Cellulitis not only impacts the skin’s surface but also penetrates the underlying tissues, potentially leading to severe complications if left untreated.

What exactly is cellulitis? It’s an infection that occurs when certain types of bacteria, typically Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, enter the skin through breaks in its surface. These entry points can be as minor as small cuts, insect bites, or even surgical wounds. Once the bacteria infiltrate the skin, they can quickly multiply and spread, causing inflammation, pain, and other symptoms.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Cellulitis

Identifying cellulitis early is crucial for prompt treatment and prevention of complications. But what are the telltale signs of this infection?

• Pain and tenderness in the affected area
• Redness or inflammation of the skin
• A skin sore or rash that grows quickly
• Tight, glossy, swollen skin
• A feeling of warmth in the affected area
• Possible abscess formation with pus
• Fever

It’s important to note that the appearance of cellulitis can vary depending on skin tone. On lighter skin, it typically presents as a red or pink area. However, on darker skin tones, cellulitis may appear as a dark brown, gray, or purple discoloration.

As the infection progresses, more severe symptoms may develop, including:

• Shaking and chills
• General malaise
• Fatigue and dizziness
• Muscle aches
• Excessive sweating

If cellulitis spreads to other parts of the body, additional symptoms may emerge, such as drowsiness, lethargy, blisters, and red or dark brown streaks on the skin. These signs indicate a potentially serious progression of the infection and require immediate medical attention.

Risk Factors for Developing Cellulitis

While anyone can develop cellulitis, certain factors increase the likelihood of infection. What makes some individuals more susceptible to cellulitis?

• Pre-existing skin conditions (e.g., eczema, athlete’s foot)
• Weakened immune system
• Diabetes
• Lymphedema (swelling in arms or legs)
• Obesity
• Recent injuries or surgical procedures

Understanding these risk factors is crucial for prevention and early intervention. Individuals with these predisposing conditions should be particularly vigilant about skin care and promptly addressing any skin injuries or infections.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Cellulitis

How do healthcare professionals diagnose cellulitis, and what treatment options are available? Diagnosis of cellulitis is typically based on a physical examination and evaluation of symptoms. In most cases, a doctor can identify cellulitis by visually inspecting the affected area. They will look for characteristic signs such as swelling, redness, warmth, and tenderness.

In some instances, additional tests may be necessary:

• Blood tests to check for signs of infection
• Wound culture to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection
• Imaging tests (e.g., X-rays, MRI) in cases of suspected deep tissue involvement

Once diagnosed, what is the standard treatment for cellulitis? The primary treatment for cellulitis involves antibiotics. In most cases, oral antibiotics are prescribed for a minimum of 5 days. However, the duration may be extended depending on the severity of the infection. It’s crucial to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve earlier.

For more severe cases or in patients with certain risk factors, intravenous (IV) antibiotics may be necessary. This typically requires hospitalization for close monitoring and administration of the medication.

In addition to antibiotics, other supportive measures may include:

• Pain relievers to manage discomfort
• Elevation of the affected limb to reduce swelling
• Rest and limited activity until symptoms improve
• Proper wound care and hygiene

Preventing Cellulitis: Proactive Measures

While cellulitis can be effectively treated, prevention is always preferable. What steps can individuals take to reduce their risk of developing cellulitis?

1. Practice good skin hygiene, including regular washing and moisturizing
2. Promptly clean and treat any cuts, scrapes, or skin injuries
3. Manage underlying conditions like diabetes and eczema
4. Maintain a healthy weight to reduce the risk of obesity-related skin issues
5. Wear appropriate protective gear during activities that may cause skin injury
6. Address fungal infections promptly, as they can create entry points for bacteria
7. Keep your skin well-hydrated to prevent cracks and dryness

For individuals with recurrent cellulitis or those at high risk, healthcare providers may recommend long-term preventive antibiotics or other specialized interventions.

Complications of Untreated Cellulitis

Why is it crucial to treat cellulitis promptly? If left untreated, cellulitis can lead to severe complications that can be life-threatening. What are the potential consequences of neglecting this infection?

• Severe tissue damage (gangrene)
• Amputation in extreme cases
• Spread of infection to internal organs
• Septic shock
• Death in rare, severe cases

The risk of these complications underscores the importance of seeking medical attention at the first signs of cellulitis. Early intervention can prevent the infection from progressing and reduce the likelihood of severe outcomes.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Given the potential seriousness of cellulitis, it’s essential to know when to consult a healthcare professional. What are the key indicators that you should seek medical attention for suspected cellulitis?

• Symptoms of cellulitis appear and worsen rapidly
• You develop a fever or chills
• The affected area becomes increasingly painful or swollen
• Red streaks appear emanating from the infected area
• You have a weakened immune system or other risk factors
• Symptoms don’t improve after 3 days of antibiotic treatment

It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to potential skin infections. If you’re unsure whether your symptoms warrant medical attention, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for guidance.

Cellulitis in Special Populations

While cellulitis can affect anyone, certain groups may be at higher risk or require special considerations. How does cellulitis impact different populations?

Cellulitis in Children

Children can develop cellulitis, often as a result of minor injuries or insect bites. The treatment approach may differ slightly from adults, with careful consideration given to antibiotic selection and dosing based on the child’s age and weight.

Cellulitis in Older Adults

Older adults may be more susceptible to cellulitis due to age-related changes in skin integrity and immune function. They may also have comorbidities that complicate treatment, requiring close monitoring and potentially more aggressive interventions.

Cellulitis in Immunocompromised Individuals

People with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or living with HIV/AIDS, are at higher risk for cellulitis and may experience more severe infections. These individuals often require prompt and aggressive treatment, sometimes including hospitalization for IV antibiotics.

Cellulitis in Diabetics

Diabetics are particularly prone to cellulitis, especially in the lower extremities. Poor circulation and nerve damage associated with diabetes can increase the risk of skin injuries and slow healing, creating ideal conditions for bacterial invasion. Careful foot care and blood sugar management are crucial for prevention in this population.

Emerging Research and Future Directions

As with many medical conditions, research into cellulitis continues to evolve. What are some of the current areas of focus in cellulitis research?

• Development of new antibiotic treatments to combat resistant bacteria
• Improved diagnostic tools for faster and more accurate identification of cellulitis
• Investigation of potential vaccine strategies to prevent recurrent cellulitis
• Exploration of the role of the skin microbiome in cellulitis susceptibility and prevention
• Studies on the long-term effects of recurrent cellulitis on lymphatic function

These research efforts aim to enhance our understanding of cellulitis, improve treatment outcomes, and develop more effective prevention strategies. As new findings emerge, they may shape future approaches to managing this common but potentially serious infection.

Living with Cellulitis: Long-term Management and Quality of Life

For individuals who have experienced cellulitis, especially those with recurrent infections, long-term management is crucial. What strategies can help improve quality of life and reduce the risk of future episodes?

1. Adherence to prescribed treatment plans and follow-up care
2. Regular skin inspections to identify potential entry points for bacteria
3. Proper management of underlying conditions that increase cellulitis risk
4. Lymphedema management techniques for those with chronic swelling
5. Psychological support to address anxiety related to recurrent infections
6. Lifestyle modifications to promote overall health and skin integrity

By adopting a comprehensive approach to cellulitis management, individuals can minimize the impact of this condition on their daily lives and reduce the likelihood of complications.

The Role of Nutrition in Cellulitis Prevention and Recovery

While not often discussed in the context of cellulitis, nutrition plays a vital role in skin health and immune function. How can dietary choices influence cellulitis risk and recovery?

• Adequate protein intake to support skin repair and immune function
• Vitamin C-rich foods to promote collagen production and wound healing
• Zinc-containing foods to support immune response and skin health
• Omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation and support overall health
• Hydration to maintain skin elasticity and support circulation

A balanced diet that supports overall health can contribute to stronger skin barriers and more robust immune responses, potentially reducing the risk of cellulitis and supporting faster recovery when infections do occur.

Cellulitis Myths and Misconceptions

As with many medical conditions, there are several myths and misconceptions surrounding cellulitis. What are some common misunderstandings about this infection, and what’s the truth behind them?

Myth: Cellulitis is contagious

Truth: Cellulitis itself is not typically contagious from person to person. The bacteria that cause cellulitis are common and often present on the skin. Infection occurs when these bacteria enter through breaks in the skin, not through casual contact with an infected person.

Myth: Cellulitis always requires hospitalization

Truth: While severe cases may require hospitalization, many cases of cellulitis can be treated effectively with oral antibiotics on an outpatient basis. The need for hospitalization depends on the severity of the infection and the individual’s overall health status.

Myth: Cellulitis only affects the elderly or those with weakened immune systems

Truth: While these groups may be at higher risk, cellulitis can affect people of all ages and health statuses. Even healthy individuals can develop cellulitis if bacteria enter through a break in the skin.

Myth: Once you’ve had cellulitis, you’re immune to future infections

Truth: Unfortunately, having cellulitis once does not provide immunity against future infections. In fact, some individuals may be prone to recurrent cellulitis, especially if they have ongoing risk factors.

Dispelling these myths is important for promoting proper understanding, prevention, and treatment of cellulitis. Accurate information empowers individuals to take appropriate action when faced with potential skin infections.

Treatments, Causes, Symptoms, and More

Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that can cause the skin to become painful and discolored. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body and cause serious complications.

In fact, there are over 14 million cases of cellulitis in the United States each year. The infection can occur anywhere on the body and can lead to serious complications if it goes untreated.

In this article, we discuss the causes, treatments, and symptoms of cellulitis. Read on to learn more.

Cellulitis is an often painful skin infection. It may first appear as a discolored, swollen area that feels hot and tender to the touch. The discoloration and swelling can spread quickly.

On lighter skin tones, cellulitis will typically appear red or pink. On darker skin tones, it may appear dark brown, gray, or purple.

It most often affects the feet and lower legs, although the infection can occur anywhere on a person’s body or face.

Cellulitis affects the skin and the tissues underneath. The infection can spread to your lymph nodes and bloodstream.

If you don’t treat cellulitis, it could become life threatening. Get medical help right away if you have symptoms.

Cellulitis occurs when certain types of bacteria enter the skin through a break in its surface. Staphylococcus and Streptococcus (strep) bacteria commonly cause cellulitis.

Cellulitis can start in skin injuries, such as:

• cuts
• bug bites
• surgical wounds

Several factors increase your risk of cellulitis.

For example, you’re more likely to develop cellulitis if you have a skin condition like eczema or athlete’s foot. This is because bacteria can enter your skin through cracks caused by these conditions.

A weakened immune system also increases your risk of developing cellulitis because it can’t provide as much protection against the infection.

Other risk factors include having:

• a cut, scrape, or other injury to the skin
• diabetes
• swelling in your arms or legs (lymphedema)
• obesity

Cellulitis symptoms include:

• pain and tenderness in the affected area
• redness or inflammation of your skin
• a skin sore or rash that grows quickly
• tight, glossy, swollen skin
• a feeling of warmth in the affected area
• an abscess with pus
• fever

More serious cellulitis symptoms include:

• shaking
• chills
• feeling ill
• fatigue
• dizziness
• lightheadedness
• muscle aches
• warm skin
• sweating

Cellulitis can spread into other parts of your body if left untreated. If it does spread, you may develop some of the following symptoms:

• drowsiness
• lethargy (fatigue)
• blisters
• red or dark brown streaks on the skin

Contact your doctor right away if you have symptoms of cellulitis.

Cellulitis can have a different appearance based on the severity and where it occurs. Here are some images of cellulitis.

Cellulitis usually doesn’t spread from person to person. It is possible to catch a bacterial skin infection if you have an open cut on your skin and it touches skin that has an active infection.

If you do develop cellulitis from a transmitted infection, it could be dangerous if you don’t treat it in a timely manner. This is why it’s important to tell your doctor as soon as you notice symptoms of cellulitis.

Complications of cellulitis can be severe if left untreated. Some complications can include:

• severe tissue damage (gangrene)
• amputation
• damage to internal organs that become infected
• septic shock
• death

Your doctor will likely be able to diagnose cellulitis just by looking at your skin. A physical exam might reveal:

• swelling of the skin
• redness and warmth of the affected area
• swollen glands

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor may want to monitor the affected area for a few days to see if the discoloration and swelling spread. In some cases, your doctor may take blood or a sample of the wound to test for bacteria.

If you need help finding a primary care doctor, then check out our FindCare tool here.

Cellulitis treatment typically involves taking antibiotics by mouth for a minimum of 5 days. Your doctor may also prescribe pain relievers. However, in some cases, doctors will administer intravenous (IV) antibiotics as soon as they diagnose symptoms.

You should rest until your symptoms improve. Raising the affected limb higher than your heart can also help reduce swelling.

Cellulitis should go away within 7 to 10 days after you start taking antibiotics. You might need longer treatment if your infection is more severe.

Even if your symptoms improve within a few days, it is critical to take all the antibiotics your doctor prescribes.

When to contact a doctor

Contact your doctor if you:

• don’t feel better within 3 days after starting antibiotics
• notice your symptoms get worse
• develop a fever

You may need to be treated with IV antibiotics in a hospital if you have:

• a high temperature
• low blood pressure
• an infection that doesn’t improve with oral antibiotics
• a weakened immune system due to other diseases

Surgery options

In most cases, a course of antibiotics will clear up the infection. However, if you have an abscess, a medical professional may need to drain it.

For surgery to drain the abscess, you first get medication to numb the area. Then, the surgeon makes a small cut in the abscess and allows the pus to drain out.

The surgeon then covers the wound with a dressing so it can heal. You may have a small scar afterward.

Home remedies

You should always see your doctor first if you have symptoms of cellulitis. Without treatment, it can spread and cause a life threatening infection.

However, there are things you can do at home to relieve pain and other symptoms. For a start, you can clean your skin in the area where you have cellulitis. Ask your doctor how to properly clean and cover your wound.

For example, if your leg is affected, raise it above the level of your heart. This will help reduce swelling and relieve pain.

Here’s how to take care of your skin at home while you recover from cellulitis.

Your symptoms may worsen for the first 48 hours. However, they should begin to improve 2 to 3 days after you start taking antibiotics.

You should always finish any course of antibiotics your doctor prescribes.

During your recovery, keep the wound clean. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for washing and covering the affected area of the skin.

If you have a break in your skin, clean it right away and apply antibiotic ointment. Cover your wound with ointment and a bandage until it’s fully healed. Change the bandage daily.

Watch your wounds for discoloration, drainage, or pain. These could be signs of an infection.

Take these precautions if you have poor circulation or a condition that increases your risk of cellulitis:

• Keep your skin moist to prevent cracking.
• Promptly treat conditions that cause cracks in the skin, like athlete’s foot.
• Wear protective equipment when you work or play sports.
• Inspect your feet daily for signs of injury or infection.

Many conditions can present symptoms similar to cellulitis.

Cellulitis vs. venous stasis

Venous stasis, or venous stasis dermatitis, is a condition commonly misdiagnosed as cellulitis.

According to the National Eczema Association, venous stasis causes swelling and discoloration, and it can develop into skin ulcers. It is the result of poor circulation in the lower limbs and typically affects the lower legs and ankles.

Unlike cellulitis, this condition can affect both sides of the body and is not the result of bacterial infection. However, your risk of a skin infection will increase if you develop sores or ulcers as a result of venous stasis.

Cellulitis vs. erysipelas

Erysipelas is another skin infection. Like cellulitis, it can start from open wounds, burns, or surgical cuts.

Most of the time, the infection is on the legs. Less often, it can appear on the face, arms, or trunk (torso).

However, cellulitis affects deeper tissue, while erysipelas is often the result of strep bacteria, and its effects are more superficial.

Other symptoms of erysipelas include:

• fever
• headache
• nausea
• chills
• weakness
• ill feeling

Doctors treat erysipelas with antibiotics, most often penicillin or a similar drug.

Cellulitis vs.

abscess

An abscess is a swollen pocket of pus underneath the skin. It forms when bacteria — often Staphylococcus — get into your body through a cut or other open wound.

When this happens, your immune system sends in white blood cells to fight off the bacteria. The attack can form a hole under your skin, which fills with pus. The pus contains dead tissue, bacteria, and white blood cells.

Unlike cellulitis, an abscess looks like a lump under the skin. You may also have symptoms like a fever and chills.

Some abscesses shrink on their own without treatment. In other instances, you may require antibiotics. In general, abscesses need to open and drain in order to improve.

Cellulitis vs. dermatitis

Dermatitis is a general term for a skin rash, and it covers many conditions. These include:

• atopic dermatitis (eczema)
• contact dermatitis, an allergic reaction to an irritating substance

Unlike cellulitis, most forms of dermatitis are not due to bacterial infections.

Learn more about the types of dermatitis here.

General dermatitis symptoms include:

• discolored skin
• blisters that ooze or crust
• itching
• swelling
• scaling

Doctors treat dermatitis with cortisone creams and antihistamines to relieve the swelling and itching. You will also need to avoid the substance that caused the reaction.

Cellulitis vs. DVT

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot in one of the deep veins, usually in the legs. You can get a DVT after you sit or lie in bed for a long period of time, such as on a long plane trip or after surgery.

Symptoms of DVT include:

• pain in the leg
• redness
• warmth

It’s important to get medical help if you have DVT. If the clot breaks free and travels to the lungs, it can cause a life threatening condition called pulmonary embolism (PE).

Doctors treat DVT with blood thinners. These prevent the clot from getting bigger and stop you from getting new clots.

Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that causes inflammation, skin discoloration, and pain. Complications are uncommon but can be severe. You should always contact your doctor if you develop symptoms of cellulitis.

Most people fully recover from cellulitis after 7 to 10 days on antibiotics. If left untreated, cellulitis can lead to gangrene or septic shock and may require surgery in severe cases.

It is possible to get cellulitis again in the future. You can help prevent this infection by keeping your skin clean if you get a cut or other open wound. Ask your doctor if you’re unsure how to properly care for your skin after an injury.

Cellulitis – symptoms, treatment and causes

Key facts

• Cellulitis is a skin infection caused by bacteria.
• It often affects your lower leg but can occur anywhere on your body.
• You may have cellulitis if you have an area of skin that is warm, red, tender and very painful.
• If your infection is severe, you may also have symptoms like fever and nausea.
• If you think you or someone in your care has cellulitis, it’s important to get medical attention as soon as possible.

What is cellulitis?

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin spreading to the tissues under your skin. It can become serious if it’s not treated quickly with antibiotics.

Cellulitis can occur on any part of your body including your face.

If you think you or someone in your care has cellulitis, it’s important to get medical attention as soon as possible. It is particularly important to get urgent medical help if:

• your face is affected
• you were bitten by an animal or human
• the redness is spreading very quickly or is very painful
• you have a fever
• you have diabetes, a weakened immune system or if you are a smoker

Sometimes, bacteria from cellulitis can spread into your blood stream. This is called septicaemia, and can trigger sepsis, which is a medical emergency.

If you have cellulitis, you can quickly become very unwell. There’s also a small chance of developing serious complications.

What are the symptoms of cellulitis?

If you have cellulitis, the affected area of your skin may be:

• red and inflamed
• very painful
• tender
• swollen or tight
• warmer to touch than surrounding skin

You may have other symptoms including:

• fever, chills, shaking or sweating
• nausea
• blisters or ulcers weeping clear, yellow or pus-like fluid
• enlarged glands (lymph nodes) near the affected area of skin
• feeling generally unwell

Signs of cellulitis include red, painful, and swollen skin that is warm to touch. It can affect any part of the body.

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Rashes and skin problems Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

What causes cellulitis?

Cellulitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection. Group A streptococcus and staphylococcus aureus (‘staph’) are the most common bacteria involved. These bacteria normally live on your skin without causing any harm, but if your skin is broken they can infect your tissues and cause cellulitis. The infection usually happens when bacteria enter your skin through an ulcer, cut, scratch or insect bite. It can also happen if you already have a skin problem like eczema, psoriasis, scabies or acne, or after surgery. However, it may happen without any visible damage to your skin.

A common cause of cellulitis is scratching your skin with dirty fingernails that carry bacteria.

You’re more likely to get cellulitis if you have a skin condition that makes you itchy and are more likely to scratch.

You’re also more likely to get cellulitis if you:

• smoke
• live with obesity
• have diabetes
• have poor circulation or a weakened immune system
• have swelling in an arm or leg, such as with lymphoedema

How is cellulitis diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and then examine the affected part of your skin. They may refer you for blood tests. If there is discharge from your skin, they may take a swab to send for testing. This can help them find out which bacteria is causing your infection, and which antibiotics will be the most effective.

How is cellulitis treated?

Cellulitis is usually treated with:

• antibiotics
• rest
• elevating or raising the affected part of your body, if possible

While cellulitis is not generally contagious, it’s important to always wash your hands before and after touching the infected area.

As cellulitis can be painful, you may need pain relieving medicines such as paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In some cases, your doctor may recommend steroids for a short time.

Your doctor or nurse might draw on your skin to outline the area of the cellulitis. This can help you and your doctor know whether the area affected is getting bigger or smaller.

Make sure you take the antibiotic exactly as your doctor prescribes. If your cellulitis doesn’t improve, your doctor may switch you to a different antibiotic. In more severe cases you may need intravenous (IV) antibiotics in hospital.

When you’re at home, placing a cool, damp cloth on the affected area can help reduce any discomfort. Keep the affected limb raised and ask to your doctor about whether you might benefit from compression stockings. Do not touch or rub the infected area.

When should I see my doctor?

You should see your doctor if you notice that an area of your skin is red, painful, swollen and warm to touch.

It’s important to diagnose and treat cellulitis early so that your condition doesn’t get worse. Cellulitis may become an emergency if left too long.

If you’ve already started antibiotics for cellulitis, you should see your doctor again if:

• the red area is getting bigger
• the area has red streaks coming from it
• there’s a lot of pus
• you have new blisters

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

Can cellulitis be prevented

You can reduce your risk of developing cellulitis by:

• avoiding cuts, grazes and other injuries to your skin
• maintaining good hygiene
• managing skin conditions like tinea and eczema
• maintaining a healthy weight, as obesity increases your risk of cellulitis

Some people are particularly susceptible to cellulitis, for example, if you have diabetes or poor circulation. If you are at high risk, take extra care to protect yourself with appropriate footwear, gloves and long pants when gardening or bushwalking. Look after your skin by moisturising regularly and checking your feet for signs of injury.

A common cause of infection to your skin is through your fingernails. It’s important to wash your hands frequently and to trim and clean your nails regularly.

If your skin is cut or broken:

• Rinse your wound with clean water.
• Use tweezers to pick out any dirt or debris.
• Cover your wound with a non-stick dressing.
• See a doctor or nurse if your wound is deep.

Make sure you wash your hands before cleaning or dressing any wounds to avoid introducing bacteria into the wound.

If you have ongoing swelling of your arm or leg due to a condition such as lymphoedema, you may develop cellulitis that keeps coming back. Ask your doctor about finding the cause of your swelling to help prevent this from happening. If you have cellulitis 2 or more times in a year, taking antibiotics for long periods can help.

Resources and support

For more information on cellulitis, read this fact sheet from NSW health.

For information on cellulitis in children visit the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne webpage.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

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What a pity that we do not live in the Renaissance, when artists literally sang the beauty of “female roundness” and cellulite on the hips did not bother the beauties at all, but only gave them femininity and attractiveness in the eyes of the opposite sex.

Let’s take Rembrandt’s Danae as an example: she, the owner of “appetizing forms”, can hardly be called thin and fit. Since then, the standards of female beauty and attractiveness have changed dramatically, and today the heroine of the picture would be more likely to run to a fitness club with the words: “I need to lose weight, remove my tummy, “ears” from my hips and get rid of cellulite on my legs. And immediately!

“Orange peel” on the thighs (scientifically – cellulite) – the number one enemy for women who care about the beauty of their bodies. And it is for women, because it occurs under the influence of estrogens – female hormones. Cellulite is a structural change in the subcutaneous layer that leads to impaired lymphatic drainage.

The most common causes of disorders are: unhealthy and unbalanced diet, lack of exercise, hormonal changes, bad habits and stress. Fitness expert Alina Nasyrova tells how to get rid of the nasty “orange peel” on the body, and also shows five techniques for effective self-massage.

1. Make your diet as clean as possible.

Keep track of the calories and BJU (protein-fat-carbohydrate) ratio in your daily diet. Remember: there must be a balance in everything. The optimal ratio of BJU is considered to be 40% proteins, 40% carbohydrates and 20% fats. It is not recommended to drop your daily total calories below 1200 calories.

Pay attention to dairy products – cottage cheese, kefir and milk, as they can cause fluid retention and provoke the development of cellulite.

2. Add physical activity.

We have already told you how to pump up and lose weight without leaving home. Take these exercises into service and perform every day. But remember that by pumping the press, you will not remove fat from the abdomen, moreover, if you pump the press with the wrong technique, the stomach can only increase.

3. Spend enough time on anti-cellulite massage and scrub.

It is not necessary to spend money on anti-cellulite massage, expensive scrubs and body wraps – you can do all this at home and get the same effect (or maybe even better!).

Ingredients: sea salt, ground coffee beans, olive oil.

Thoroughly wash and steam the skin before applying the scrub. Gently, in a circular motion, rub the scrub into areas of the body that require anti-cellulite care. For maximum effect, massage the skin for 10-15 minutes. After the procedure, thoroughly rinse the scrub from the body.

Each movement is performed for 1-2 minutes in the thighs and buttocks.

Circular movements with palms

Preparatory stage, aimed at warming up tissues. It is performed with relaxed brushes.

Rubbing the skin with the palms

When rubbing, the hands should not slide over the skin, but move it.

Fists along the thighs in an up and down motion

The massaged muscles should be as relaxed as possible. Move smoothly, slowly, without jerks. Increase the intensity of movements gradually.

Finger pinching

Massage will be more effective if combined with fasting days. During the massage course, you can spend 1-2 unloading days a week.

Slight “chopping” movements with the side of the palms

Reception impairs the microcirculation of the massaged area, causes spasm of the venous vessels and increases venous pressure.

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• Why cellulite appears: causes and investigations

Today, one of the most pressing issues of modern women is cellulite. Perhaps there is not a single representative of the weaker sex who would not know this phenomenon. What causes cellulite and what methods of dealing with it exist?

A direct relationship between the appearance of cellulite and metabolic disorders occurring in the human body has been established. Many factors contribute to this, but the main ones are a sedentary lifestyle, excess weight, hormonal changes and eating disorders.

Cellulite is a structural change in the subcutaneous fat layer that disrupts the normal circulation of blood and lymph.

Before you start fighting this insidious problem, you need to arm yourself with knowledge of the causes and stages of its development.

Woman’s sentence?

Basically, the problem of the appearance of cellulite is considered female. This is explained by differences in the structure of adipose tissue and different hormonal status of both sexes.

Nature endowed a woman with an exceptional ability to bear future offspring, and since this is associated with huge energy costs, the hormonal level begins to form a supply of nutrients that may be needed during pregnancy. As a rule, the accumulation of body fat occurs on the abdomen and thighs.

At the initial stage, the problem is not yet visually visible and does not require special intervention. Young girls usually lead an active lifestyle and try to keep fit, their body is able to remove excess fluid through the venous system. Cosmetologists recommend at this stage the use of anti-cellulite cosmetic procedures, as well as massage and physical activity, which can quickly have a positive effect.

If at the first stage of the appearance of cellulite the problem is not given due attention, then it may soon move to the second, in which excess fluid and fat deposits already form cosmetic defects, in the form of visible and well-palpable seals on the skin.

This happens due to the fact that the venous system is no longer able to cope with excess fluid in the body. Puffiness appears, accumulations of fat and fluid “lock” themselves in the subcutaneous layers, forming a compacted layer. There is an “orange peel effect”. There is some pallor, a decrease in skin elasticity, loss of sensitivity in the affected areas. When pressed on the skin, characteristic dents appear.
At this stage, more intensive anti-cellulite measures are required, such as special body wraps, scrubs and massages.

At the third stage, cosmetic defects become visible to the naked eye. Due to the insufficient supply of oxygen to the tissues, edema becomes increasingly large, squeezing the arteries and disrupting the tissue structure. Muscle tissue becomes rough and incapable of natural contractions. At this stage, it is difficult to do anything, since the skin and muscles are tightly connected to each other by connective fibers. Diets aimed at losing weight do not bring any improvements. Requires the destruction of deposits with a special anti-cellulite power massage.

The fourth stage is the last one. There is a clear progression of previously occurring pathological changes. The skin acquires a bluish tint, there is a violation of blood supply, damage to nerve endings and atrophy of muscle tissue. Perhaps the development of tissue necrosis and inflammatory processes.
Fortunately, the fourth stage is quite rare. It is impossible to cope with it at home, it requires only medical intervention.

Changing lifestyle

The fight against cellulite should begin with a change in your habitual lifestyle. The first step is to review and balance the diet. Scientists do not consider cellulite to be obese, but they identify a number of products that can disrupt metabolic processes and provoke the onset of the disease:

• sweets;
• salt;
• smoked and fatty foods;
• alcohol;
• soda drinks;
• hot spices;
• chips, salted nuts, croutons;
• chocolate;
• flour products.

Eating vegetables and fruits, as well as exercising, will help you avoid surgical treatments and tedious costly cosmetic procedures.

Provoking factors

It should be noted that not only such areas of the body as thighs, buttocks and abdomen are affected by cellulite. Often, subcutaneous changes are also noticeable in other areas of the skin – the back, legs and arms. Moreover, with age, these phenomena become more and more noticeable, which would be quite understandable. However, in recent years, an increasing number of young girls have discovered such defects in themselves at a very young age. Coffee, cigarettes, sitting at the computer at night cause malfunctions in the body, lack of nutrients and, as a result, metabolic disorders.

An important role in the failure of metabolism is played by stresses, to which modern man is exposed at every step. Reacting differently to stressful situations, women either lose weight dramatically or try to find peace by indulging themselves with all sorts of goodies. All this is equally bad for health and provokes the appearance of unhealthy fat deposits.

Hormonal disorders

A person’s appearance shows all the changes that occur in the work of his body.