What are stretch marks? Causes, and treatment.

Stretch marks
Stretch marks

Stretch marks are long narrow streaks, stripes, or lines that develop on the skin. Purple streaks on white skin. Each streak is about a 1cm stretch.

Types of stretch marks.

Striae atrophica- these stretch marks are very common.

Striae distensae- these are most often during puberty.

Vergetures- these are long, stretch marks that resemble a while lashings.

Striae gravidarum- this type only occurs during pregnancy.

Symptoms of stretch marks.

Streaks cover a large area of the body.

Bright streaks fade to a lighter color.

Pink, red, black, blue, or purple streaks.

Lines on the abdomen breast, hips, or buttock.

Causes.

Quick weight gain ( this affects both men and women).

Childhood growth spurts during puberty.

Pregnancy is a result of stretched skin and a surge in hormones that weakens the fibers. However, they might fade as you shed pounds after the baby is born.

Breast implant surgery- bodybuilding, even those who have little fat can get them where their muscles bulge. However, a high amount of steroids, either from steroid medications or illnesses like Cushing’s syndrome.

Diagnosis.

The doctor has to look at the skin to diagnose them. But they will probably ask about your medical history. However, if you have taken either oral or topical steroids for a long time, high cortisol levels in the body might be to blame.

Home remedies for stretch marks.

You will find creams, salves, oils, and other skin ointments that can either prevent or treat them. However, there is little proof that any of these products work. Some treatments and home remedies can fade or hide them.

Body make-up and self-tanner- these products can help to hide stretch marks. However, tanning won’t get rid of the marks. It makes them easier to see.

Tretinoin-creams with tretinoin contain a retinoid, a compound related to vitamin D. Retinoid increases collagen production. However, they are to treat wrinkles. They may help to fade newer marks, but they can also make the skin red or scaly.

Cocoa butter, shea butter, or olive oil- these natural creams can make the skin feel softer. It is not clear if they help to prevent marks or not.

Collagen boosters- lupin seed extract is supposed to increase collagen in the skin. In addition, it is hard to say if they will fade or prevent marks.

Bitter almond oil- women who massage bitter almond oil into the skin on the bellies during pregnancy have fewer stretch marks.

Centella Asiatica- this herbal oil boosts cells in the body that makes collagen and build up skin tissue. However, some people use it to help heal the wound. Centella Asiatica is in several counter creams for stretch marks. But there is little proof it helps to fade them.

Treatment.

Treatment for stretch marks can be costly and is not always effective. Unless an underlying condition is a cause, it is unlikely that the insurer will find treatment. However, stretch marks are seen as a cosmetic complaint. Creams gels lotions and cosmetic surgery have been proposed as treatments for stretch marks. Although there is little medical evidence to support the effectiveness of such treatment.

Current treatments are particularly limited. This is in their ability to deliver long-lasting improvements for the skin.

Prevention.

Stretch Marks cannot always be prevented. However, the following steps may help to reduce the risk.

Maintain a healthy weight.

Avoid yo-yo dieting.

Aim for slow and gradual weight gain during pregnancy.

Drink six to eight glasses of water every day.

Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals.

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