Although stretch marks commonly appear on the abdomen, they can occur on any area of the body. While they are initially red, they usually fade in color with time. Stretch marks typically do not pose a health risk, but the discomfort and itching associated with them can be distressful. In addition, red stretch marks can cause embarrassment and self-esteem issues. There are many causes of stretch marks, most due to common life changes. To rule out any health problems, it's important to understand why stretch marks occur and what conditions may cause them.
Weight fluctuations
The Patient's Guide website explains that stretch marks can occur when substantial weight is gained or lost. Although the skin does stretch to fit the body's expansion, hormones and metabolic changes are the real culprit for stretch marks.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the adrenal glands may produce an excess of the hormone cortisone during extreme weight loss or gain. Cortisone can cause weakening of the skin's elasticity, resulting in red stretch marks.
When you gain weight, the body's fat cells become responsible for the production of hormones, which are similar to fat and cholesterol. Therefore, weight gain has a serious effect on both the body and the skin's hormones.
Pregnancy
The American Pregnancy Association states that it is common for women to develop stretch marks during pregnancy. As with weight gain, pregnancy stretch marks are caused by the physical stretching of the skin as it adapts to the baby's movement and contractions.
The speed at which a pregnant woman's belly expands sometimes does not give the skin enough time to adapt. As a result, the skin may tear and form scar tissue, resulting in a stretch mark. In addition, a pregnant woman experiences a fluctuation of hormones that can pull more water into the skin. Excess water can cause the collagen bonds in the skin to relax, making it more susceptible to tears when stretched.
Marfan syndrome
Certain medical conditions, such as Marfan syndrome, can cause red stretch marks. This is because the disorder directly affects the connective tissues of the body. The Cleveland Clinic website explains that marfan syndrome is typically inherited, but 25 percent of cases are due to unknown causes.
Marfan is a condition present at birth in which defects are found in the gene that encodes elastic fibers and fibrillin of the body's skin and organs. Clinical evaluations and genetic testing may be required to diagnose marfan's syndrome. While some affected with the condition may not need to be treated, more severe cases may require surgery or medication.
Personal and family history
According to the American Pregnancy Association, stretch marks can be hereditary. Mothers who experience stretch marks, especially during pregnancy, are likely to have daughters who develop them. In addition, if your body is prone to stretch marks on other areas of the body, you will likely develop them during weight fluctuations and during pregnancy.
Medications
Experts at the Mayo Clinic state that certain medications, such as corticosteroid pills, creams and lotions can cause stretch marks. In addition, chronic use of steroids can result in unsightly stretch marks. The American Academy of Dermatology explains that this is because long-term use of these types of medications causes the skin to thin.
