Dimpling of the skin, also known as peau d’orange, is a condition characterized by the appearance of small, dimpled areas in the skin. It is most commonly associated with cellulite, a condition in which fat deposits collect in the subcutaneous tissue, the layer of tissue just beneath the skin. Cellulite can cause the skin to appear dimpled or puckered, especially on the thighs, buttocks, and abdomen.
While cellulite is the most common cause of dimpling of the skin, there are other conditions that can also cause this symptom. These include:
- Lipedema: This is a condition in which excess fat accumulates in the legs and buttocks, causing the skin to appear dimpled.
- Dermatochalasis: This is a condition in which the skin becomes loose and saggy, causing it to appear dimpled.
- Scleroderma: This is a condition in which the skin becomes hard and tight, causing it to appear dimpled.
- Amyloidosis: This is a condition in which abnormal proteins called amyloid deposits in the skin, causing it to appear dimpled.
Dimpling of the skin can also be a sign of certain infections, such as cellulitis, a bacterial infection of the skin, and lymphedema, a condition in which fluid accumulates in the tissues.
In some cases, dimpling of the skin can be a sign of a more serious underlying medical condition, such as a tumor or a blood clot. If you have dimpling of the skin that is accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain, swelling, or redness, it is important to see a doctor for evaluation.
Treatment for dimpling of the skin depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, no treatment is necessary. In other cases, treatment may include weight loss, exercise, massage, or surgery.
