EVERYTHING ABOUT STRETCH MARKS CAUSES, PREVENTION AND TREATMENT.

WHAT ARE STRETCH MARKS?

They are type of scar. So they form when there is an injury to the skin cause it to stretch beyond its maximum elasticity. When there is minor stretch, the skin is able to handle it but if there is sudden stretch then the skin fibers give in and break. These are breakage of collagen fibers which bind the skin. This leads to permanent damage to skin and scar formation causing appearance of stretch marks. Stretch marks during pregnancy.

 WHY DO THEY OCCUR?

 It has shown that 55-90% of pregnant women develop stretch marks. Along with the stretch to skin, it is though that some changes that occur with the skin as a result of hormonal changes make skin more prone to develop stretch marks.

 WHERE DO THEY OCCUR?

 It can appear on abdomen, breast, buttocks, hips and thighs.

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS?

Younger age, history of stretch marks in mother or sister, higher pre-pregnancy and pre- delivery weight, higher baby weight, history of stretch marks on breasts, hips and thighs was associated with formation of stretch marks. Few studies have shown association of stretch marks with factors such as increased alcohol intake, decreased water consumption, decreased blood vitamin c levels, and expecting a male baby, poor nutritional status or having diabetes. But the exact cause and risk factors are not fully known. In many studies it has been found that women whose mothers and sisters have had stretch marks are more likely to develop them. So, genetics also play a role. Despite the fact that some women are genetically predisposed, athletes and women who do heavy work have less stretch mark.

OTHER CAUSES OF STRETCH MARKS.

Growth spurts: during adolescence when there is sudden increase in height, you may notice stretch marks on hips extending to calves. Women may have them on breast as well.

 Body builders: sudden weight gain in body builders, where they notice stretch marks on the biceps area and on the outer side of chest.

Steroid abuse:  it is also seen in people who use steroid creams such as pander, quadriderm, fourderm etc for fungal skin infection, allergies in the groin. There has been an increase in number of people with stretch marks after steroids use. No please do not use any steroid creams without consulting a dermatologist. Use it only for the limited time period given. Do not self medicate with steroid creams. Steroids cause breakage in the collagen structure of skin along with thinning the skin.

HOW CAN IT BE PREVENTED?

Pregnancy stretch marks: do expensive creams and bio oils prevent stretch marks? No, they do not. There is no cream which has proven to completely prevent the occurrence of stretch marks; all claims are made on basis of few reports. So, no recommendation can be made. Though moisturizing the skin and keeping it hydrated may help. This will reduce itching and also the trauma caused there by to the skin. So, use a thick moisturize on your abdomen regularly to keep it supple. You could use coconut oil or olive oil or any other regular moisturizer for this purpose. You could gently massage it into skin. The area on which stretch mark occur may become itchy and at risk infection if women scratch at the affected area. It may simply be that using some form of oil may assist in making the skin soft and there by promoting positive feeling of well being only. Do not scratch your abdomen. But should you buy these expensive creams which make claims to prevent stretch marks: Absolutely not. What can be done: keep your weight under check. Slow weight gain and regular exercise to remain active may help. Other causes: avoid unsupervised steroid use. If you join gym, start with slow weight and slowly build up. This will give your skin time to get accustomed to new stress activity.

This article is for informational purpose only. Information on this article should not be considered as a substitute for advice from healthcare professional.