Stretch Marks - Symptoms & Treatment

Stretch marks are a cosmetic blight most of us will encounter at some point in our lives. They are the normal part of the puberty for most girls and guys. Stretch marks can be caused by the growth spurt in adolescence. Teenagers can get stretch marks over their thighs, legs, bottoms, waist and arms during their growth phase. Stretch marks are generally associated with pregnancy and obesity . Stretch marks are the result of the rapid stretching of the skin associated with rapid growth or weight gain and anabolic steroid use. Although the skin is fairly elastic, rapid stretching of the skin will leave permanent stretch marks. Stretch marks (also referred to as striae distensae. Medical terminology for these kinds of markings include striae atrophicae, vergetures, striae cutis distensae, striae gravidarum (in cases where it is caused by pregnancy), lineae atrophicae, striae distensae, linea albicante, or simply striae. There are three layers of skin i.e. epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous stratum. Stretch marks occur in the dermis, the resilient middle layer that helps the skin retain its shape. When the dermis is constantly stretched over time, the skin becomes less elastic and the small connective fibres within it break.

Stretch marks or striae , as they are called in dermatology , are a form of scarring on the skin with a silvery white hue. They are caused by tearing of the dermis, and over time can diminish but not disappear completely. Stretch marks are small, depressed streaks in the skin that appear most often on the abdomen in the later stages of pregnancy when the belly is rapidly expanding to accommodate a growing baby. Some women also get them on their buttocks, thighs, hips, and breasts. Stretch marks are caused by changes in the elastic supportive tissue that lies just beneath the skin. They start out pink, reddish brown, purple, or dark brown, depending on your skin color. They later fade, although they never totally disappear.

Causes of Stretch Marks

Find common causes and risk factors of Stretch Marks :

• Certain medications.
• Obesity.
• Sudden change in physical or environmental conditions.
• Pregnancy.
• Insufficiency of nutrients in the body.
• Rapid weight loss.
• Body building.
• Use of steroids.

Treatment for Stretch Marks

Treatment may include:

• Topical retinoid therapy.
• Pulse dye laser therapy.
• Chemical peels.