The difference between Cellulitis and Cellulite is that Cellulitis; not to be confused with cellulite, is the ‘orange peel skin’, which many women suffer from. Its is an inflammation of the dermis, subcutaneous tissue and subcutaneous fat tissue. The depth of the infection varies from person to person. On the area of inflammation, the skin is red, swollen and painful. This is often accompanied by fever and a general ill feeling.
The term “cellulitis” is often confused with ” cellulite “, also known as orange peel skin. About 90 % of women suffer from lumpy skin on their thighs and buttocks. However, this is a harmless cosmetic problem that is caused by fat deposits in the skin and the underlying connective tissue. Cellulite occurs almost exclusively in women. Cellulite has also been observed in men and to a lesser extent in children.
Unlike cellulite, cellulitis is not a harmless condition. The bacteria that causes cellulitis can cause considerable damage in the deeper skin layers. The most common form of cellulitis is erysipelas. Cellulitis is common to the arms and legs, but can also occur in other places on the body or face. Annually 1.9% of the people who visit the doctor are diagnosed with cellulitis.
Causes of cellulitis and cellulite
Cellulitis: the inflammation of the dermis and the subcutaneous fat tissue, is caused by a bacteria. In many cases, the Staphylococcus aureus is the causative agent, but also streptococci and other bacteria can cause cellulitis. A combination of bacteria has also occasionally been observed. The infection often occurs after sustaining an (unnoticed) small wound or damaged skin, allowing the bacteria to invade the body. People with weakened immune system are at a slightly greater risk of developing an infection.
Cellulite, or the orange peel skin has a hormonal cause. The female body produces a lot of oestrogen, causing cellulite. In addition, stress, smoking, physical inactivity and an unhealthy diet play a part in the development of cellulite. Men have far less oestrogen in their bodies, which explains why they rarely suffer from cellulite. The appearance of cellulite has nothing to do with your weight, as some think.