If we’re going to take this cellulite problem seriously, it’s about time we develop a more effective set of terminology to discuss the condition. The old parameters for measuring cellulite somehow lacked a certain scientific precision: “orange peel” for mild, “cottage cheese” for moderate, and “quilted mattress pad” for severe. How come all the terms we use to describe cellulite conjure up images of either food or laziness?
The Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology recently published an article that attempts to establish a standardized method for measuring cellulite. The article was written by cellulite researchers in Brazil (also the birthplace of the anti-cellulite knickers currently flying off the shelves of British department store, John Lewis. Coincidence? I think not).
Based on photographs from 55 cellulite victims, researchers identified key morphological aspects of cellulite, including the number and depth of depressions, the clinical appearance of evident raised lesions, and the skin’s laxity. Each of these criteria is measured on a scale of 0-3 and the total score classifies the patient’s condition as either mild, moderate, or severe.
The scientific study of cellulite is in its infancy, relatively speaking, and it remains to be seen whether or not future anti-cellulite researchers will choose to adhere to the newly proposed photonumeric scale. The most widely accepted cellulite classification system to date is the Nurnberger-Muller scale. Instead of relying on photographs to determine the severity of the condition, this scale assesses the change in the appearance of cellulite when the skin is pinched or when the patient is standing in a relaxed position versus lying down.
In stage 0 of the Nurnberger-Muller scale, no cellulite is visible when the patient is standing in a relaxed position, even when the skin is pinched. Stage 1 cellulite appears only when the skin is pinched. Stage 2 cellulite appears when the patient is standing in front of a mirror but not when lying down. Stage 3 cellulite is visible when either standing or lying down.
The Nurnberger-Muller method is easy for anyone to use, but may be limited in its clinical application. While the photonumeric scale is too exact to be of use to everyday cellulite victims, it’s good to know that medical researchers are finally developing a standardized method for measuring cellulite. Or… at least they’re working on it. In Brazil.
References:
Hexsel, D.M, T. Dal’forno, and C.L. Hexsel, “A Validated Photonumeric Cellulite Severity Scale,” Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 23(5) 2009.
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