Overview
Stretch marks form as a result of quick stretching or depletion of the skin, frequently linked to pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or excessive muscle building. There are different types of treatments available ranging from laser therapy, creams, or cosmetic treatment.
What are Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks, also known as striae, are discolored and slightly sunken scar-like lines that appear on the skin when it briskly stretches or shrinks. They are commonly seen on the abdomen, hips, upper arms, breasts, or lower back due to the rapid change that causes the collagen and elastin in the skin to break. Therefore, as the skin heals itself, they start to appear on the body. They are frequently related to pregnancy, rapid weight changes, or hormonal fluctuations. Although they aren’t harmful or painful, some individuals may feel uncomfortable about their appearance.
Causes of Stretch Marks?
The marks can happen to almost anyone, fat or thin, man or woman, old or young. Teenagers are at a high risk of developing them.
Appearance
These marks can appear anywhere in the body. Usually, they appear where there is a large storage of fat, like the abdomen, breast, thigh, arms, etc. They do not imply any harm or danger to the health condition and are not a reason to panic.
Firstly, they appear as purplish or reddish lines, and then later on, they fade and become lighter. The skin in that region becomes extra soft.
Symptoms
Itchiness
Irritation
Discolored, red, blue, or black streaks
Streaks covering large parts of the body
Some Prevention Tips
The following are the ways of prevention:
- Avoid rapid weight gain or rapid weight loss. For this, do not change your appetite very abruptly. In case you want to lose weight, try doing it naturally and slowly.
- Use a good moisturizer for the skin and 2-3 times, apply it gently all over the body, especially on the more delicate regions.
- During pregnancy, visit a doctor and start using an anti-stretch mark cream. This will prevent the problem from occurring later on.
Treatments
Stretch marks often are not noticeable and ordinarily fade over time. If you have an oversized body or if you are upset that you look unsightly, there are a few treatment options available.
Camouflage
Cosmetic camouflage (make-up) is obtainable over-the-counter at pharmacies and can be used for small areas of skin affected by stretch marks. Some types are waterproof and can be kept in place for two to three days.
Laser Therapy
Laser medical care cannot fully take away, but it may help fade them and make them less noticeable.
Creams, Gels, and Lotions
It’s recommended that you apply these products when the marks are still red or violet. However, it’s unlikely that these treatments can stop them from occurring, or make them fade any more significantly than they will with time alone.
Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic surgery is costly and rarely recommended. If you have these marks on your tummy (abdomen) and an outsized quantity of loose skin, it’s better to have an operation known as an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck. The procedure removes excess fat and skin from your abdomen and also gets rid of those marks below your belly button.
FAQs
Stretch marks are extremely common, and they affect anyone, irrespective of gender and age. A study suggests that 90% of women suffer from them, and therefore, they are a normal occurrence in people.
To avoid or reduce the occurrence, you need to maintain your skin through hydration, nutritional balance in your food intake, and weight control.
They tend to fade away after some time, making them invisible. There is no need to visit the clinic in order to have them reduced.
You can include regular moisturizing with coconut oil, aloe vera gel, and cocoa butter, and staying hydrated in your home remedies. They may not completely remove, but they can improve skin texture.
No, they are not harmful or painful to your health.
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