The ManicaPost
Dr Tendai Zuze
STRETCH marks, also known as striae, are a form of scarring of the skin. They are caused by tearing of a layer of the skin called the dermis. They are often the result of the rapid stretching of the skin associated with rapid growth or rapid weight changes. Stretch marks are also influenced by the hormonal changes of puberty, pregnancy, body-building and hormone replacement therapy Stretch marks don’t all look alike.
They vary depending on how long you’ve had them, what caused them and where they are on your body, as well as on the type of skin you have.
Stretch marks seem to be caused, literally, by a stretching of the skin. Stretch marks are more extreme when coupled with an increase in cortisone, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisone weakens elastic fibres in the skin.
Stretch marks develop in a variety of circumstances, including:
Pregnancy. Most pregnant women develop stretch marks by the end of their pregnancy. The physical stretching of the skin, along with hormonal factors, likely plays a role.
Weight gain. Stretch marks sometimes occur during substantial weight gain. Weightlifters can develop stretch marks, particularly on the arms. Adolescents may notice stretch marks during growth spurts.
Medication use. Corticosteroid creams, lotions and pills and chronic use of oral or systemic steroids can cause stretch marks.
Conditions or diseases. Cushing’s syndrome and adrenal gland diseases can cause widespread stretch marks.
Anyone can get stretch marks, but some factors increase your likelihood of getting them, including:
Being female.
Having a family history of stretch marks.
Having been pregnant, especially for younger women.
Being overweight or obese.
Rapidly gaining or losing weight, as in the case of pregnancy
Using corticosteroid medication
Stretch marks are typically diagnosed based on an examination of your skin and a review of your medical history.
Your doctor will ask questions about your signs and symptoms, medications you’re taking, and any known medical conditions.
Although they may be a cosmetic concern, stretch marks are harmless and often fade over time.
They don’t require medical treatment.
If you do seek treatment for stretch marks, know that treatments are only partially effective and won’t remove the stretch marks completely.
Treatments that can at least make stretch marks better include:
Tretinoin cream. Some research has shown that tretinoin cream may improve the appearance of recent stretch marks – those that are less than a few months old and still pink or red in colour. If you’re pregnant or nursing, your doctor may opt to delay topical retinoid therapy or choose an alternative treatment. Tretinoin, when it works, helps to rebuild collagen, making the stretch mark look more like your normal skin. Tretinoin can irritate your skin. This treatment isn’t effective on older stretch marks.
Laser therapy. Laser therapies use intense wavelengths of light to stimulate the growth of collagen, elastin or melanin production in your skin.
Microdermabrasion. This type of treatment involves a hand-held device that blows crystals onto skin. These crystals gently abrade, or “polish,” the skin’s surface. Then, a vacuum tube removes the crystals and skin cells.
Microdermabrasion gently removes the skin’s topmost layer, prompting the growth of new, more-elastic skin. This therapy is an option for older stretch marks.
You have likely seen creams, ointments and other products that claim to prevent or treat stretch marks.
These products, often containing cocoa butter, vitamin E or glycolic acid, aren’t harmful, but they probably won’t help much, either. Stretch marks usually fade and become less noticeable over time and don’t require any specific self-care or home therapy.
There’s no way to prevent stretch marks, even if you rub plenty of creams, oils and lotions on your skin.
The best way to reduce the likelihood of getting stretch marks is to maintain a healthy weight. During pregnancy, you’ll gain weight over a relatively brief period. Work with your doctor to avoid excessive weight gain — not just to minimise stretch marks, but to provide good health to you and your baby — by eating well and exercising.
- Dr Zuze can be contacted at Highland Clinic on 020-66364 or [email protected]
