Stretch marks

Stretch marks are referred to as pink, reddish brown streaks that appear on parts of the body where skin has been subjected to rapid stretching.

Causes of stretch marks

Stretch marks occur when there has been damage to the elastic fibres of the skin. Most women notice post pregnancy stretch marks. Since the skin is elastic, it stretches to accommodate a fast developing fetus in case of pregnant women. But after a certain point, the deepest layer of the skin tends to tear.

Due to this, the thin streaks are formed over the upper layer of the skin and are referred to as stretch marks. Stretch marks can also be formed by sudden weight gain. Stretch marks also depends upon ethnicity and heredity.

Stretch marks are also known as striae gravid -arum. Sudden growth spurts during puberty can also leave stretch marks on some parts of the body. Some times stretch marks may also occur due to corticosteroids and Cushing’s syndrome.

Clinical appearance of stretch marks

Stretch marks commonly appear as pink, reddish brown or dark brown depending upon the skin tone. Usually they acquire a silvery streaked look with the progress of time.

Stretch marks may appear on several areas such as the abdominal area, thighs, hips, breasts, upper arms or lower back. It has been known that the men and women are both susceptible to stretch marks. Stretch marks commonly develop on the abdominal skin of pregnant women due to rapid stretching caused by growing foetus.

Treatment of stretch marks

There are many creams, which are used to remove or reduce stretch marks. Creams containing centella asiatica extract and Vitamin E are commonly used to prevent stretch marks. Creams containing cocoa butter help in moisturizing the skin and improving the skin elasticity. Creams that promotes skin rejuvenation with natural products such as wheat germs oil, lanolin and cocoa butter is used effectively as preventive measures. Creams containing. Vitamin A is also helpful in providing relief from stretch marks by increasing cell regeneration.

Hence, we can prevent stretch marks or reduce their appearance by helping the repair of collagen and elastic production in the skin. Skin treatment to get rid of stretch marks range from topical cream and glycolic peels to cosmetic surgery and laser treatment.