Information on Stretch Marks and Problems due to Stretch Marks

The shimmering line on the skin of the abdomen, breast, thighs or hips comparatively lighter than the surrounding area and normally developed by the stretching and weakening of the elastic tissues following the pregnancy or obesity for instance, is better known as the stretch mark. The stretch marks accompanied by the weight gain in Cushing’s syndrome which is over action of the pituitary glands resulting in the surplus discharge of corticosteroid from the adrenal glands or in the similar condition led by the excessive steroid hormonal medications.

Stretch marks are better known as Striate in the dermatology sciences, are the kinds of scars occurring on the skin area having the gray white tone. It is believed that the stretch marks are due to the quick stretching of the skin accompanied by quicker development, puberty for instance, or faster weight gain like that of pregnancy as well as the use of anabolic steroids. The quicker stretching of the skin would often be followed by the permanent stretch marks in spite of the moderate elasticity tendency of the skin. The stretch marks could also be referred to as Striae Distensae, Striae Atrophicae, Vergetures, Striae Cutis Distensae, and Striae Gravid Arum – caused due to pregnancy, Lineae Atrophicae, Lineae Albicantae or just as Striae, in the medical jargon of dermatology.

Symptoms and signs of Stretch marks: The stretch marks are believed to be appearing as the reddish or purple lines initially and have a tendency to lighten in color in the due course of time. The affected skin area looks likes empty and softer when touched. There are three different layers in the human skin known as: the epidermis or the outer layer, the dermis or the middle layer and the subcutaneous stratum or the innermost layer of the skin texture. The stretch marks are normally believed to be occurring on the dermis which is the supple middle layer that usually helps the skin maintain its shape. So far there is adequate support within the dermis no stretch mark would ever develop. Stretching is said to play significant role especially where the marks develop and in what direction they progress. Just stretching may not be the only reason anyway. Stretch marks could occur on any parts of the body but the most likely areas for the stretch mark occurrence are where excess quantum of fats is stored. The common most areas include abdomen – especially around the belly button, breasts, and upper arms, under arms, both inner and outer parts of the thighs, buttocks and hips. However, stretch marks do not cause any types of health risks and do not compromise the body’s ability of functioning normally and repair itself as well.

Causes: The gluco-corticoid hormones are believed to cause the stretch marks affecting the epidermis by stopping the fibroblasts from generating the collagen and elastin fibers that are required for maintaining the quicker development of inflexibility in the skin. This generates the deficiency of supportive substances as the skin is stretched and causes the dermal and epidermal slitting. Even the laser would not be able to remove the stretch marks if the epidermis and the dermis have been affected.

Cure and prevention: Only certain skin care creams, massaging oils and moisturizers are believed to avert and cure stretch marks to great extent according to some randomized controlled studies. Treatments like laser, derma-abrasion and prescription retinoid are also helpful for the purpose.

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