Stretch marks may appear on the skin during pregnancy, after weight gain or during the growth spurts of adolescence. The exact cause of stretch marks, also called striae, is not known for sure. Doctors believe that the elasticity of the skin is weakened as skin stretches, causing the red or purple lines of stretch marks. There are a number of treatments available, but no home remedies are effective at present.
Self Esteem Issues
While stretch marks are in no way harmful to overall health, they can make sufferers feel very self-conscious. Self esteem and self image can be affected by stretch marks. If you have stretch marks, you are not alone. According to the University of Michigan, over 50 percent of women will experience the growth of striae during pregnancy. The marks can also be caused by rapid weight gain, quick growth during adolescence or because of certain medical conditions.
Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are common on the thighs, buttocks, stomach, hips and breasts. If you are concerned about the redness or purple color when they first develop, but cannot afford medical treatment, note that stretch marks usually fade to a lighter color, usually a white or silvery color, in time. If you experience stretch marks without any obvious cause, such as weight gain or pregnancy, consult a doctor. These types of stretch marks may be caused by certain adrenal gland disorders, such as Cushing's syndrome, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Prevention
Preventing the formation of stretch marks may be the most effective way to deal with them. Maintain a healthy weight and, if exercising, do not attempt to gain muscle rapidly, as this can put stress on the skin. If you use cortisone creams in the affected areas, speak to a doctor about alternative treatments as that type of cream can thin the skin, encouraging stretch marks. Do not be fooled by non-prescription creams and oils that promise to prevent or heal stretch marks. According to MedlinePlus, these are not effective at all.
Laser Treatment
Laser treatment may be helpful in erasing stretch marks. Pulsed dye laser therapy uses a laser to stimulate the proteins that help form healthy skin called elastin and collagen. This type of therapy is most effective on recently formed stretch marks, but may be of some use on older striae. Fractional photothermolysis also uses lasers to stimulate collagen and elastin, by dotting the area with pricks of laser. An excimer laser may be used on older stretch marks, as it stimulates the skin pigment melanin to blend the marks with the surrounding skin.
Other Treatment
Tretinoin cream, made with an acidic derivative of vitamin A, may be useful on stretch marks that are less than six weeks old. The cream is rubbed into the area, usually once a day, although your prescription may vary. Doctors do not know exactly how it works, but many people see a dramatic improvement to the appearance of their stretch marks with this cream. Microdermabrasion may be used to treat older stretch marks. Tiny crystals are blown onto the skin to abrade the top layer of skin, exposing the second the layer. This treatment also stimulates collagen, encouraging the skin to heal itself.
