What
are stretch marks?
Stretch marks are lines on the skin that start off
as raised red lines. Stretch marks are caused by changes
in the elastic supportive tissue that lies just beneath
the skin. They appear in people who put on or lose
weight rapidly or happen when the skin is stretched
a lot over a short period of time, such as during
pregnancy. The upper layer of the skin is normal,
but in the lower layers the collagen which gives the
skin its strength and elasticity, have become thinner
and broken. At first, the marks look reddish-purple.
This is because the stretched skin is more transparent
and the small blood vessels that lie deep in the skin
show through. Later, when the blood vessels contract
the purplish color then become lighter to white, which
is simply fat under the skin showing through.
Generally stretch marks appear in parallel lines.
The skin is thin and silvery and often looks scar-like.
They usually lighten and become less noticeable in
time, but this can take years. Stretch marks can appear
anywhere on the body where the skin has been stretched.
Also can usually happen on parts of the body where
fats are stored, such as the abdomen, breasts, upper
arms, thighs and buttocks. People who put on a lot
of weight over a short period of time often notice
stretch marks in these places.
Who can get stretch marks?
- Stretch marks often appear on the breast and abdomen
during pregnancy. The reason is partly hormonal. During
pregnancy, hormones have the job of softening the
collagen ligaments of the pelvis, in order the tissues
can stretch easily during childbirth. Unfortunately,
the skin collagen softens too, allowing stretch marks
to form easily.
- Some women have weaker collagen than others, so there
are more likely to get stretch marks. Recent research
recommend that if you have stretch marks, your pelvic
floor ligaments may be slightly weak, so it is very
important to do pelvic floor exercise pelvic floor
exercise after childbirth to prevent incontinence
of urine.
- Yo-yo dieters and bodybuilders can get stretch marks
on the upper arms, chest and thighs.
Growing youngsters can get them on their backs, where
they look like a series of horizontal lines
What treatments a person have to use if he
has gets Stretch Marks?
In present there are numerous treatment choices
for dealing stretch marks. Some of these medications
are as follows;
Lotions and Creams
There are lots of over-the-counter treatments
for stretch marks. If you are a woman who is pregnant
and also anxious with stretch marks, let your physician
know you want to begin preventive treatment before
your stomach starts growing. Often, your physician
can recommend creams.
Lasers can be used to treat stretch
marks on the early stage, when they are still red.
The red blood cells in the small blood vessels absorb
the energy from the laser ray and then converted into
heat, which then seals the blood vessels. This gets
rid of the red color and might speed up the contracting
process, but is uncertain whether it will make any
difference in the long run.
It costs several hundred pounds, and can not be done
under the National Health Service in the UK. As with
any cosmetic treatment, check that the clinic is reputable;
your doctor can probably advise you, and look at the
section on cosmetic surgery.
Tretinoin is another approach to
the treatment of early stretch marks. There have been
declares that this produces improvement, but other
researchers have not found any effect.
Surgery is a possibility for tummy stretch
marks if anyone also has a lot of loose skin on the
tummy. The operation is a ‘tummy tuck’
(removal of the skin and the fatty tissue beneath).
You will be left with scars around the belly button
and across the lower stomach. This is not a minor
operation and, like all operations, it carries risks.
Recovery takes several weeks. Look at the section
on cosmetic surgery.
If you are serious to get off with unwanted stretch
marks, it's best to be in the care of a surgeon or
dermatologist who can suggest your best options. He
will acquire a detailed medical history, as well as
medications you are taking. Some medications can cause
stretch marks, and it is very important to be open
and honest with your doctor. Those medications include
hormones and steroids. Try to avoid yo-yo dieting.
If you are overweight, aim to lose it slowly (do not
aim to lose more than 0.5 kg (1 lb) a week).
Diet and Exercise
Keep in mind, stretch marks can result from
nutritional deficiency. Be sure to consume foods that
promote skin health.
Zinc-rich foods such as nuts or fish
Foods high in vitamins A, C, D, such as carrots,
citrus fruits and milk.
Protein-rich foods (such as eggs).
Proper water intake keeps your skin soft and less
likely to develop stretch marks. Caffeine can boost
your risk of stretch marks. If you're stuck on your
caffeinated coffee or tea, make sure you balance the
fluids. Drink just as much - or more - water as you
drink coffee, tea or soda.
Note
Try to avoid yo-yo dieting. If you are overweight,
aim to lose it slowly (do not aim to lose more than
0.5 kg (1 lb) a week).
