Cellulite – colloquially called orange peel skin – (synonyms: Dermopanniculosis deformans; erroneously also: cellulitis; ICD-10-GM L98.8: Other specified diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue) is an alteration of the subcutaneous fatty tissue in the thigh and buttock area, but also in the arms of women. It is characterized by a dimple-like, uneven skin texture.
Since the connective tissue of men is different from that of women, they are rarely affected by cellulite.
Frequency peak: cellulite occurs in varying degrees with advancing age. In overweight women or women with connective tissue insufficiency (weakness of the connective tissue), cellulite can develop at a young age.
The prevalence (disease frequency) is 80% of women in Germany.
Course and prognosis: Cellulite is not a medical problem, but a cosmetic-aesthetic one. Pronounced cellulite can be alleviated by means of adequate treatment (physical activity, weight reduction, dietary changes).
