Stretch Marks

What are stretch marks?

Stretch marks, also called striae, are the result of normally elastic skin being stretched beyond its limits. When this happens, it causes a disruption in the production of collagen, a major protein in human skin. Tiny tears are created beneath the surface. They may first appear as raised pink, dark brown, or reddish brown lines, depending upon one’s complexion. As time passes, they flatten out, fade to some extent, and sometimes become shiny.

Who gets stretch marks?

Even though most people associate them with a pregnant woman’s swelling abdomen, anyone can develop stretch marks on their body. When any kind of rapid weight gain and or growing occurs in an individual, they will most likely appear.

Young girls who find their bodies changing with puberty can be prone to them. It is quite common for them to appear on the breasts, the buttocks and the thighs of young women as their bodies blossom into womanly curves. Over time, they can fade to a level where they are barely discernable at all. Young men with growing bodies, can also see them appear on their skin.

Body builders, with their rapidly expanding muscle mass can also be susceptible to them, along with obese people and anyone who uses topical hydrocortisone creams for an extended period.

Should I be concerned about stretch marks?

There are no known adverse health effects that come about as the result of stretch marks. So, even though they may be unsightly and make many people feel self-conscious at the beach, they are usually not a cause for worry.

How to get rid of stretch marks?

Some doctors claim that laser surgery is the best option, although it doesn’t totally get rid of them. It just makes them fade quite dramatically. Many emollient creams that are applied topically, make similar claims. Luckily, over time, stretch marks can fade to such a degree that they are no longer noticeable at all. So, many people don’t do anything at all to get rid of them.