Stretch Marks: Its Signs and When it can be Treated!

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 98% of women and about 75% of men have Stretch Marks. What are the signs of stretch? When do they appear? What are the ways to control it?

With the beginning of the second half of pregnancy, the female is noticed as the appearance of lines on the abdominal area, especially around the navel. These lines vary in color depending on the color of the skin. They may be light red, pink, purple, or even brown. Silver, white, or gray, these lines are called stretch marks.

There is no definitive scientific explanation for the reasons for the formation of signs, but rather hypotheses. One hypothesis is that stretching during pregnancy occurs in the area of ​​the dermis, the central region of the skin, making the disappearance of stretch marks difficult if not impossible. Another hypothesis attributed to the increase in the proportion of hormones during pregnancy, which is reflected on the color of the skin in the abdomen and others. While a third hypothesis suggests that the body grows faster than skin growth, and increases the signs of stretch when using cortisone because cortisone reduces the elasticity of the skin. Stretch marks are classified as skin scars, a cosmetic problem, not a health or organic problem. They are permanent lines that can not be concealed after they appear. Therefore, they should be treated as part of the nature of the skin and can only be diluted to a certain degree.

Stretch marks appear when you gain a marked increase in weight, or when you are severely underweight, and the appearance of stretch marks may be associated with genetic factors. Although stretch marks are spread in the abdomen, they may appear on the breasts, upper arms, upper thighs, and buttocks. With regard to pregnancy, the proportion of stretch marks is significant in the case of twins in the case of individual births.

There is no effective treatment to get rid of stretch marks, and some moisturizing creams can be used topically in areas where stretch marks appear to reduce their appearance. Stretch marks are larger in their early stages, and if they change to silver or white, they are difficult to get rid of. Some women try to use topical creams to remove stretch marks. This involves checking with the doctor, especially when the topical product contains a substance that may affect the fetus. Creams containing vitamin A derivatives, while stimulating collagen production, are unsafe during pregnancy and lactation. You should consult your doctor before using them and balance the desired outcome and potential risks. The use of moisturizing creams during the second half of pregnancy is one of the factors that reduces the appearance of stretch marks. Topical creams containing vitamin E and cream rich in skin moisturizers can be used, and studies have shown garlic's effectiveness in reducing the color of stretch marks.

Other methods of masking stretch marks include the use of chemical peeling, laser surgery, Dermabrasion or vitamin A derivatives, provided that they are used only during pregnancy and lactation periods and under strict medical supervision.