Stretch Marks

Overview:

Stretch marks are usually purplish, pink or reddish indented streaks that commonly appear on the thighs, buttocks, upper arms, breasts and abdomen. They are very often seen on pregnant woman, especially during the later trimester.

Stretch marks may cause you concern, but they aren’t a serious issue and they generally will fade as time goes by. In uncommon cases, though, stretch marks that are widespread can be signs of some condition like Cushing’s disease or other adrenal gland disorders. You can use treatments to help the fading of the stretch marks, but it won’t remove them completely.

Signs/Causes

Signs of stretch marks include bright streaks that will fade to a grayish, white or light pink color; multiple streaks of purple, red or pink; and indented lines or streaks within the skin. Stretch marks can cover larger areas of the body, in less common cases.

Consult your physician if you are worried about your skin’s appearance, or if the stretch marks develop to cover larger areas of your body. Your doctor can use a physical exam of your body to determine if your problem is stretch marks, and then discuss options for treatment with you.

Stretch marks are literally caused by your skin stretching, along with a very normal cortisone increase. Cortisone is a hormone that your adrenal glands produce, and it weakens the fibers that help your skin maintain its elasticity.

Stretch marks can result from pregnancy, a gain in weight, growth spurts and working out with weights. The use of some medications can cause the marks, as can diseases and conditions like Cushing’s and genetic disorders. Stretch marks are found more frequently in women, particularly pregnant women. Other stressors that may cause stretch marks are a family history of the marks, use of corticosteroids, having a large baby or being obese or overweight.

Stretch marks may only be a concern cosmetically, as they are generally harmless and quite often will fade over time. They don’t require any specialized treatments, although you can use treatments to try to lessen their appearance.

Treatments

Certain medications are helpful in improving stretch marks’ appearance. They include tretinoin cream, which is useful only on recent stretch marks, not older marks. Therapy using a pulsed dye laser, used at settings that won’t cause wounds, can remodel the dermis by helping to stimulate elastin and collagen. This treatment may also be helpful on older stretch marks.

Fractional photothermolysis uses light wavelengths to stimulate the growth of new elastin and collagen. This treatment can cause dot-like damage to skin areas in the target zone. These will heal along with the rest of the skin.

Microdermabrasion uses a hand-held device which can blow crystals onto your skin and they gently polish the surface of the skin. Then, a small vacuum tube removes these crystals along with the skin cells that were abraded. This method gently removes the top layer of your skin, with the idea that your new skin growth will be more elastic. This type of therapy can work on older stretch marks, as well.

The excimer laser doesn’t work with elastin or collagen growth. Its goal is to stimulate melanin production, to affect repigmentation. When it works properly, the lighter and older streaks become closer in color to their surrounding skin, and they become less visible. This method works particularly well with older stretch marks.

There is no way currently to prevent the development of stretch marks. Lotions, oils and creams will not prevent their development. The most successful way to reduce your chances of getting stretch marks if to keep you weight at a healthy level.