Stretch marks are a common condition and are not harmful. However, they can cause emotional distress for some, leading to poor self esteem. There are plenty of creams and ointments on the market that claim to make stretch marks disappear with cocoa butter or vitamin E. Unfortunately, these creams have little to no effect, reports MayoClinic.com. There are treatments that can lessen the appearance of stretch marks; however, these treatments are only partially effective and do not completely remove stretchmarks, reports MayoClinic.com.
Identification
Stretch marks, or striae, are indented streaks that are red, pink or purple in color, eventually turning silvery white, reports the MayoClinic.com. These streaks are often seen on the abdomens of pregnant women; however, they are also common on many women's upper arms, thighs, buttocks and breasts. Although stretch marks are seen as a condition that affects only women, it is not uncommon for men to develop stretch marks.
Causes
According to the MayoClinic.com, the main cause of stretch marks is, not surprisingly, the stretching of the skin. Pregnancy leaves most women with stretch marks, as the skin on the stomach is stretched so tight. Nursing mothers may also develop stretch marks on their breasts. If you gain weight quickly, you are likely to develop stretch marks. This is common in adolescents while going through puberty and growth spurts.
Medications such as corticosteroid creams can cause stretch marks. Chronic use of oral or systemic steroids can also lead to stretch marks. Certain medical conditions or diseases, such as, Cushings syndrome, adrenal gland diseases, Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, cause widespread stretchmarks, reports the MayoClinic.com.
Prevention
According to MayoClinic.com, there is no way to prevent stretch marks. However, there are steps you can take to lower your chances of developing them. As the biggest risk of getting stretch marks is gaining weight quickly, your first line of defense should be to maintain a healthy weight. This can be difficult if you are pregnant. The best way to approach stretch mark prevention as a pregnant woman is to consult with your gynecologist.. With her help you can find healthy ways to minimize your weight gain.
Creams
If your stretch marks are still a red to purple color, your dermatologist may prescribe a Retin-A-cream. According to the Marie Claire website, the cream helps improve the appearance of the stretch marks by causing blood vessels to constrict. This makes the redness fade. The creams will not get rid of stretch marks; however, they will be less noticeable.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a process in which tiny crystals are blown onto your skin with a hand-held device. The crystals are used to gently abrade the skin. They are then vacuumed off your skin, along with skin cells. The process removes the top layer of skin, which can cause new skin growth. This type of treatment is best used on older stretch marks.
Lasers
The pulsed dye laser uses wavelengths of light to remodel your dermis by stimulating new growth of collagen and elastin. This type of treatment is best used on new stretch marks; however, it can be used as an effective treatment for older stretchmarks as well.
The excimer laser is used to change the color of your stretch marks. It stimulates melanin production. This makes your older stretch marks similar in color to your skin, making them less visible.
