Also known as striae, stretch marks are a skin problem that almost everyone goes through at some moment in their lives. These present themselves in the form of lines on the skin and they may be different in color, texture and are mild or severe. It is important to treat stretch marks even though they are painless, as they tend to have a negative impact on the patient’s body image. In this article we will focus on the reasons why particular individuals experience stretch marks and whether there is any chance of minimizing them, or even preventing them completely.

What Are Stretch Marks?

These skin changes are commonly referred to as stretch marks and are technically known as striae They are formed as a result of skin tearing as the skin tries to expand as a result of facilitating some processes in the body. They develop from red, purple or pink color and become lighter with time due to nail regrowth. Stretch marks can occur in any part of the body but they mostly occur on areas like the stomach, lower limbs, hips and the breast.

The following are the possible reasons why people get stretch marks; 

There are few causes of stretch marks; It may be possible to minimize or at least deal with the manifestation of these causes effectively if these are known. 

Rapid Skin Stretching 

The main factor that leads to formation of the stretch marks is as a result of skin stretching. This stretching can occur due to.

Weight Gain or Loss: This stretching occurs due to the fact that; when a person gains or loses weight rapidly their skin is stretched, thus forming stretch marks. 

Genetics 

 It depends on one’s genetics and their ability to effectively take care of skin when exposed to stretching forces or more tendencies of developing such marks. Some factors that have been shown to increase your likelihood of getting stretch marks include; Genetics; If your parents or close relatives have stretch marks, then the chances of you getting them are high as well. ’Dark skin, skin elasticity, and skin healing characteristics are some of the skin characteristics that have genetic influences. 

 Medical Conditions 

 

 There are some diseases that affect an individual’s chances of developing stretch mark. These include: 

 

 Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: Quantity: Connective tissue disorder in skin or easy stretching and scarring and potentially due to certain change in the skin. 

 Marfan Syndrome: An inherited condition that occurs in the body's connective tissue that causes the skin to be elastic and develop skin stretching and stretch marks. 

Is It Possible To Delete The Stretch Marks? 

 In most cases, stretch marks tend to become pale with time but they may not vanish totally. It can form red, purple or pink and go to white or silver; they could become less conspicuous. 

 

Topical Treatments 

 

 Retinoid Creams: Topical agents like tretinoin can be used to reduce strain marks since they have been well established in encouraging the growth of collagen and skin cell division. 

 Hydrating Creams and Oils: Food containing hyaluronic acid fatty tissue cocoa butter as well as shea butter are useful in maintaining the elasticity of the skin as well as moisturizing it. In as much as they cannot be used to prevent formation of striae, they assist in maintaining skin elasticity and minimizing scar stretch mark formation. 

Laser Therapy 

 Laser therapy is an amazing treatment option to get rid of stretch marks since it ensures production of collagen thus enhancing skin texture. Some of the lasers include the fractional lasers as well as the pulsed dye lasers that can be used to treat the red or white marks and cause their appearance to degrade in the long run. 

 Microneedling 

 Dermal rolling refers to a process whereby one rolls an acrylic surgical roller on the skin to create minute puncture injuries that lead to the regeneration of collagen and elastin fibers. It is particularly effective in enhancing the skin’s basal layer thickness through its effects on skin regeneration; the best treatment to use when tackling the texture and look of stretch marks. 

 Cosmetic Procedures 

 In severe instances there are surgical procedures like the abdominoplasty or tummy tuck for the skin that has become relaxed as well as decrease and eradicate stretch marks. However these procedures are more invasive and usually done when other treatment options have been unsuccessful.

Preventing Stretch Marks 

 While it may not be possible to prevent stretch marks entirely, certain measures can help reduce the risk:Though prevention of stretch marks may not be fully effective, there are things which would minimize the chances of occurrence of stretch marks as follows; 

 Maintain a Healthy Weight: The skin that covers that area is not under pressure when one gains or loses a little weight hence that area can be discouraged to change with weight often. They should avoid becoming overweight or underweight. They should take moderate meals to enable the body to be fit at all times. 

 Stay Hydrated: Water without the inclusion of other substances is very crucial to the skin especially when taken in large measures as it facilitates elasticity . 

 Use Moisturizers: Thus, to prevent the occurrence of stretch marks one has to apply lotions or oil and massage the areas of the skin that are likely to develop stretch marks. 

 Conclusion: Stretch marks can be managed by the following; 

 Stretch marks are a typical skin imperfections which occur in a large number of individuals. Nevertheless, there are numerous approaches to treatment or prevention so that they may not always be obvious. Another factor that individuals should adopt is acceptance of them as part of the normal natural body processes is also another factor that individuals ought to adopt so as to embrace their skin changes. In cases where one does not want to accept the treatments, or if one wants to simply allow the skin to heal itself, it is comforting to know how to deal with them to reduce the embarrassment with our thighs.