Stretch Marks Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Stretch marks, or also known as striae, are conditions on the skin in which stranded lines appear on the skin. Stretch marks can occur on the skin on the abdomen, breasts, hips, buttocks or thighs. Over time, the lines can appear fainter.
Stretch marks are more common in those who are overweight. In addition, pregnant women, especially in the last trimester of pregnancy, also often have stretch marks.
Proper handling can help make stretch marks appear fainter. Stretch marks generally don’t cause pain, but some individuals can feel disturbed by their appearance which makes the surface of the skin no longer smooth.
Symptoms
The description of abnormalities in the skin that occur due to stretch marks is quite varied. Usually, it depends on the period of time stretch marks occur, the cause of stretch marks, the body parts involved, and the skin type of the individual who experiences them.
Several variations of the picture of abnormalities that can appear on stretch marks are:
- Indented lines on the skin
- Lines are pink, red, black, blue, or purple
- A light-colored line that fades to a lighter color over time
- Lines on the skin of the abdomen, breasts, hips, buttocks and thighs
Reason
The cause of stretch marks is suspected by stretching the skin. The severity of this condition is influenced by several factors, including a genetic predisposition to developing stretch marks, the degree of stretching of the skin that occurs, and the level of the hormone cortisol in the body. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which can weaken the elastic fibers in the skin.
Stretch marks can happen to anyone. Some factors that are thought to increase a person’s chances of experiencing it are:
- Female gender
- Have a history of experiencing stretch marks before or have a family member who has experienced stretch marks
- Pregnancy, especially young pregnancy
- Are overweight or obese
- Experiencing significant weight gain or loss
- Get corticosteroid treatment
- Undergo breast augmentation surgery
- Have Cushing’s syndrome, Marfan’s syndrome, or certain genetic disorders
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of stretch marks can be determined based on medical interviews and direct physical examinations. If the doctor suspects that there is a possibility of an increase in the hormone cortisol, then further investigations can be carried out to confirm it.
Treatment
Generally, people feel uncomfortable with the appearance caused by stretch marks. Even though it’s harmless and can get fainter over time, you can ask your doctor to treat this skin problem.
There are several treatment methods for the problem of stretch marks. Most of the treatment steps are considered to be able to help improve the appearance and texture of the skin that is disturbed by stretch marks. However, this treatment generally cannot completely eliminate the strokes.
Several types of treatment that can be done are:
- Retinoid cream. After the doctor evaluates the skin condition, one type of external treatment that can be prescribed is the use of retinoid-class drug ointments.
This cream can help improve the appearance of the skin due to newly emerging stretch marks. However, administering this medicinal cream also requires prior consideration and consultation with a doctor, especially in conditions of pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Light and laser therapy. There are several types of light and laser therapy that can help stimulate the growth of collagen or elastin in the skin. Through the doctor’s examination and evaluation beforehand, the most appropriate therapeutic technique can be determined.
- Microdermabrasion. This type of treatment involves using instruments that use crystals to remove the outer layer of skin and promote the growth of more elastic skin.
Prevention
One way to minimize the possibility of experiencing stretch marks is to maintain stable body weight. During pregnancy, there can be weight gain over a relatively short period of time.
Discuss with your doctor about how to manage your diet and physical activity during pregnancy. Know the diet and activities that are not only good for minimizing stretch marks but also for maintaining the health of the mother and fetus.
The use of stretch marks prevention creams or natural oils is also recommended in the early days of pregnancy, that is before weight gain and skin stretching occurs. Although genetics and hormonal factors play a role, applying the right softening cream or oil can reduce the risk of the appearance of severe stretch marks.