Stretch marks are called as striae in dermatology. They are a form of scarring over the skin and have an off-colour hue. Caused by the tearing of dermis, they may be temporary or permanent depending on the reason of origin.
Striae are often caused as a result of rapid stretching of one’s skin that is connected with rapid growth. This happens most during the time of puberty, weight gain, muscle building, pregnancy and rapid fat gain. They occur when there is strong pulling force acting on the skin overcoming the elasticity of one’s skin. However, stretch marks can also occur due to several hormonal changes that take inside the body during teenage years, rapid body building, pregnancy and transsexuals’ hormone replacement therapy. They may also be caused due to intake of high dose of steroids containing ointments (like hydrocortisone) or skin creams for a long period of time.
Intake of higher doses of oral corticosteroids than what is recommended as safe for a few months can also have similar scarring effects. Several medical studies have shown that stress can also be a contributing factor in the formation of stretch marks. It is so because when one is stressed, the body goes in a survival mode and hence tends to store more fat. This process of storing fat is faster than the normal pace and therefore one gains weight much more rapidly in a short span of time. As there is immense stretching of the middle layer, dermis, stretch marks are caused. There are no health risks concomitant with these marks and they also don’t compromise the ability of one’s body to repair itself and function normally. It is their visual disruption that is a cause of worry for both men and women.
About 75-90 per cent of the women are known to develop striae during pregnancy to some extent. The hormonal levels that are sustained in pregnancy imply that the woman will develop these marks by the third trimester as this is the time when the skin of her abdomen has to face the strongest stretching forces to support the baby inside. As it is a sensitive stage, she cannot use any lotions, creams or ointments too for curtailing the formation of stretch marks on her lower abdomen. The medical terminology that is used for these markings comprises of stria distensae, striae atrophicae, striae cutis distensae, vergetures, striae gravidarum (when caused by stretching of skin in pregnancy), linea albicante, lineae atrophicae or striae.
Stretch marks begin to appear as purple or reddish lines but have the tendency to fade into lighter shades with time. While some marks fade away with application of certain oils and creams, others are permanent and require surgical procedures to be masked. The areas that are affected with these scars appear to be empty and feel soft when touched. They appear in one’s dermis, which is the tough middle layer of the skin and helps retain its natural shape. If there is enough support within one’s dermis, no stretch marks can be formed at all.
These marks can be formed anywhere on one’s body, but appear mostly in places one has more amount of fats stored. Usually it is the breasts, underarms, upper arms, outer and inner thighs, back, hips, buttocks and the abdomen (mostly near one’s navel).
Hormone glucocorticoid is known to be responsible for the development of these marks. It affects the dermis as it prevents the fibroblasts present from forming elastin fibers and collagen that are necessary for keeping the continually growing skin taut. Thus a lack of supportive material is created when the skin gets stretched and leads to epidermal and dermal tearing. If the skin is stretched beyond its capacity to withstand, it will tear. It is the hormonal changes and genetics that influence the capacity of one’s skin to be able to withstand various stretching forces, exercise and diet being the other two factors.
Though stretch marks do not pose any health risk, they may be cosmetically very unappealing. This may also lead to lowering of self esteem in some people. To save that from occurring one may opt for various cosmetic and surgical methods to mask or completely erase these marks.
There are various creams and ointments available that can be used for improving the look of the stretch marks. Women can also opt for over-the-counter treatments but they are not known to be particularly effective. Some moisturizers can help them look faded and may ease the itchiness caused. Products with sunless tanning properties are also effectual in masking stretch marks. Dermabrasion, prescription retinoids and laser treatments are other methods to remove or fade these marks. While laser therapy is quite popular, it can be of no help if the stretching forces have penetrated the dermis and epidermis for that matter. Tummy tuck is another surgical procedure that women prefer for removing the stretch marks on their lower abdomen. This procedure removes their skin below the navel.
Fractional laser resurfacing is another modality that offers a fresh approach regarding the treatment of striae. It uses scattered pulses of light and only a mere fraction of the mark is zapped by the laser. This is done over a course of sittings. While the body responds to all the resurfacing treatments by producing fresh epithelium and collagen, it may lead to creation of microscopic wounds. Chemical peels are another alternative method of treating stretch marks, but does not have any wondrous effects. There is minimal fading of the marks in this procedure.
While a number of alternative treatments are available to treat these scars it is crucial to understand that same methods do not work for everyone. So, it is important that before any treatment is opted for, a good dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon should be consulted as they can determine well which treatment approach will be best in individual cases.
 Post Comment |
|