Cellulite


Erysipelas and cellulitis are deeper infections of the skin usually caused by streptococcus pyogenes infection. Generalised fever and malaise always precede the development of skin lesions. Erythematous, painful, oedematous patches appear on the skin. The affected skin is hot to touch, shiny in appearance and frequently has a ‘stepped’ edge or border. Erysipelas is a severe acute infection which commonly affects the face and can be accompanied by marked oedema of the peri-orbital region.Cellulitis can occur anywhere in the deeper layers of the skin. Common sites include lower limb and face. The portal of entry for the streptococcus is usually due to a breakdown in skin integrity. A superficial cut, insect bite or athletes foot can be an entry site for the organism. Heredity and hormonal changes play a role in the creation of this localized change to the smooth skin surface of the thighs and buttocks.

Cellulite Treatment : Erysipelas and cellulitis are always treated with systemic antibiotic therapy . Cellulitis requires long-term systemic antibiotic therapy (minimum duration 1 month).

* Maintaining lower fat stores with a well balanced low fat diet. Avoiding anything that encourages deep fluid retention, such as too much salt in the diet and too many diet drinks. In this case, the hormonal balance should also be evaluated. Tone the muscles with daily buttocks, hip, and thigh exercises so that the fat cushion is sitting on a firm base. Exercises such as vigorous walking, swimming, and cycling are particularly helpful. Vigorously massage the areas of cellulite for 10 minutes each day to break down the fibrous mesh and the larger fat globules. Applying a hot water bottle or heating pad to the area prior to vigorously manipulating the area with aggressive judo chops will help, but care must be taken not to overheat and bum the skin. Follow the massage with an ice pack. If all else fails and you are desperate a combination of surgical liposuction to remove fat from the bulges and fat transfer to place fat in the dimples may even out irregularities and permanently remove some of the fat stores.

General skin care advice
– avoid sharing face cloths, sponges, towels, etc.
– gentle washing using mild antimicrobial emollients including a soap substitute
or moisturizer.
– treat and heal any breakdown in skin integrity (e.g. athletes foot between
toes webs)

The antibiotic of choice is benzyl penicillin. Heat generating massaging creams, superficial suction devices, and electronic muscle stimulators are some of the techniques for which claims have been made that they work to reduce cellulite. A preparation known as aminophylline cream applied to the affected area twice a day reduces cellulite in some people. At this time aminophylline cream is only available through a prescription. It is not an over the counter preparation so do not go searching for it on the shelves of the local pharmacy The regular use of this cream in combination with the following suggestions should help to improve the look of the thighs and buttocks of women.