Stretch marks are long and narrow lines. They occur when the skin suddenly stretches and are very common. They are not physically dangerous but can cause problems with self-image and anxiety. For some people, stretch marks are a major cosmetic concern that can affect daily life.
What is stretch mark?
Stretch marks fade over time; However, treatment may make it less noticeable faster.
A stretch mark is a type of scar that appears when the skin stretches or contracts rapidly. The sudden change causes collagen and elastin, which support our skin, to rupture. As the skin heals, stretch marks may appear.
Not everyone develops these narrow bands on their skin. The fluctuation of hormone levels appears to play a role. You may also be at greater risk of infection if your family members develop stretch marks.
Anyone can develop stretch marks, although they tend to affect women more than men.
It can occur in a range of parts of the body, including the abdomen, thighs, hips, breasts, upper arms, and lower back.
This type of scarring occurs when the skin cannot return to its normal shape after a period of intense growth, often due to pregnancy, weight gain, weight loss or puberty. More than 50% of women suffer from stretch marks during pregnancy.
Applying a corticosteroid to your skin for a long time can also cause stretch marks. If you have Cushing’s disease or Marfan syndrome, you may see stretch marks.
When stretch marks first appear, they tend to be red, purple, pink, reddish brown or dark brown, depending on your skin tone. Early stretch marks may feel slightly raised and can itch.
Over time, the color fades and the narrow bands sink under your skin.
Diagnosis
Stretch marks are easily diagnosed based on a skin examination and a review of a person’s medical history.
Your doctor will usually ask questions based on your signs and symptoms, as well as any medications you’re currently using or current medical conditions.
Stretch marks are not harmful and do not cause medical problems. In rare cases, it may indicate an underlying medical problem that requires treatment or monitoring.
Protection
Stretch marks cannot always be prevented. However, the following steps may help reduce the risk:
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Avoid the wrong diet.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Consuming the right amount of vitamins A and C that can help support the skin, as well as the minerals zinc and silicon.
• Trying to gain weight slowly and gradually during pregnancy.
• Drink six to eight cups of water every day.
Stretch mark creams and cosmetic products:
Researchers have studied many creams and lotions sold to treat stretch marks. While no single product seems to help all of the time—and some don’t seem to help at all—researchers have discovered some helpful treatments.
If you want to try one of these creams or lotions to fade stretch marks, be sure to:
Use the product on recent stretch marks. The treatment appears to have some effect on recent stretch marks.
Massage the product into the stretch marks. Taking some time to gently massage the product into your skin may make it more effective.
Apply the product every day for weeks because it will take weeks for results to appear.
As for deep and old stretch marks that are often white in color, there are devices available in clinics such as Spherofill to treat stretch marks effectively and without surgery.
