Stretch marks are caused by rapid stretching of the skin. They can occur during puberty, pregnancy, or even when a person gains a lot of weight. Although they don’t pose a serious health risk, stretch marks may affect a person’s self-image. In addition to looking unsightly, they can also cause problems with anxiety and daily living. That’s why it’s so important to learn how to treat stretch marks.
Stretch Marks Appear on Both Genders, Women are at Greater Risk
Stretch marks look like stripes or lines and occur during periods of rapid growth. These conditions cause damage to the skin’s elastic fibers, which causes them to stretch and not bounce back to their original form. The most common spots for stretch marks are the breasts, buttocks, arms, and back. Almost every pregnant woman has stretch marks, and nearly all adolescent women and men also get them. These marks may look red or purplish in color and have a different texture than normal skin.
Although stretch marks appear on both genders, women are at greater risk. In fact, over 50% of women will get stretch marks during pregnancy. While some people embrace their stretch marks as tiger stripes, others wish to eliminate them. They may also suffer from itching. If this is your concern, you should see a doctor right away. There are several effective treatments available for treating stretch marks. Here’s a look at what you can do to minimize or even eliminate them.
Different Treatments for Stretch Marks
Using an anti-inflammatory cream may help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Some creams contain vitamin E, almond oil, or cocoa butter. These ingredients promote skin barrier repair and wound healing. Moisturizing daily will also help to reduce dry skin often associated with pregnancy. Applying lotion early in the pregnancy is best, but remember to apply it gently. Several researchers believe that massaging action is the key to stretch mark creams.
There are also some in-office procedures available for treating stretch marks. Fractional CO2 laser therapy can help fade the white stretch marks, and women who received five sessions of this therapy had their stretch marks completely vanish after the treatments. A third option is excimer laser therapy, which exposes stretch marks to UVB light to correct their pigment problems. Microdermabrasion is another treatment option for new red stretch marks. Regardless of the treatment you choose, the goal is to improve your overall appearance and self-image.
Some Rare Diseases can cause Stretch Marks
Aside from genetics, certain medical conditions can cause stretch marks. In addition to hormones such as corticosteroids and steroids, there are some rare conditions that can affect the tissues connecting body parts. While these medical conditions are not very common, they can lead to severe effects. For example, some rare diseases can cause stretch marks, including Cushing’s syndrome and Marfan syndrome. For these people, corticosteroids can cause a decrease in the amount of collagen in the skin. Regardless of the cause, stretching the skin can lead to stretch marks.
The most common cause of stretch marks is an increase in weight or rapid growth. The underlying reason for this is that the body is unable to produce enough collagen, a protein that makes skin elastic. The result is a thin, unsightly, red line on the skin. Although the color of the stretch marks may change over time, they usually fade to a more uniform color, resembling scarring. If left untreated, these marks can become permanently unsightly and unattractive.
If you are Pregnant, It’s Important to get Checked out by a Doctor
There are some treatments that can reduce the appearance of stretch marks, such as retinol. But these don’t work for everyone. They only reduce the appearance of early stretch marks, but they still can’t completely remove them. A dermatologist may combine several of these treatments to make them more effective. You may want to talk with your doctor about the best treatments for stretch marks based on your skin type and symptoms. If you are pregnant, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor. This will help you determine the cause of your marks and give you options for treating them.
Although stretch marks may not be curable, you can try applying lotions and creams to your skin to minimize their appearance. Lotions and sprays are available over the counter, and may also be an effective way to make your stretch marks less noticeable. In addition to applying topical moisturizers to your skin, you can use self-tanning lotions to minimize the color difference between your skin and the stretch marks. These treatments may cost a lot of money, so it’s important to find out if your insurance covers these procedures.
