Causes of cellulite, risk factors and prevention

Protect your skin from injury

Here’s how you can warn skin injuries:

• Apply a sunscreen and an insectifuge when you spend time outside.
• Do not choose or do not scratch your skin.
• Keep your nails cut to help prevent scratches.
• Follow your doctor’s orders to treat eczema and other rashes or skin conditions.
• Learn to use the knives and other sharp tools correctly.
• Avoid burns when cooking using hot pads to handle hot pots and pans and wear gloves when washing dishes.
• For construction and DIY projects, or when you use dangerous chemicals, wear protective gloves, boots and safety glasses.
• When you do sports, wear appropriate protective equipment.
• Do not walk barefoot, especially outside – and especially if you suffer from diabetes.
• Do not try “bathroom surgery” on calluses or cors.

Treat injuries quickly and correctly

“The injuries must be cleaned with soap and water, covered with a thin layer of antibiotic ointment, then covered with bandage,” explains Amesh A. Adalja, MD, doctor of infectious disease certified at Pittsburgh and assistant professor of Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security.

“People with injury should avoid exposure to freshwater, dirt, etc., and injuries must be inspected daily to check the signs of infection, which could include redness, drainage and swelling,” adds Dr. Adalja.

Watch the injuries and look for any sign of infection. If your symptoms worsen rather than better, progress quickly or become serious, go to the emergency department, explains Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, a dermatologist certified on the board of directors at Skinsafe Dermatology and Skin Care in Beverly Hills, California, and a clinical instructor at the University of South California.

“The regular re -evaluation of the skin by a health care provider is essential for appropriate management,” notes Dr. Shainhouse.

Wash your hands regularly

Dry your hands with a clean towel and regularly apply moisturizers to your hands and skin. This can prevent dryness and cracking of the skin.

Make healthy lifestyle changes

Obesity or overweight can increase the risk of cellulite, so take measures to maintain healthy weight by limiting your consumption of sugar and fast food, eating many unprocessed fruits and vegetables and increasing your daily physical activity.