Physical changes in pregnancy can create stretch marks in the abdomen.
Stretch marks, those bright red and purple streaks that can occur on the skin, may appear to be a cause for concern but are actually harmless and fade over time. They usually are found on the abdomen, breasts, upper arms, buttocks and thighs. Although pregnancy is a common contributor to the development of stretch marks, men and adolescents can also develop stretch marks. Does this Spark an idea?
Symptoms
According to the staff at the Mayo Clinic, "Signs and symptoms of stretch marks include indented streaks or lines in the skin, multiple pink, red or purple streaks, bright streaks that fade to light pink, white or grayish color." The color and visibility of stretch marks depends on the natural coloring of the skin. Stretch marks commonly appear on the abdomen, breasts, upper arms, buttocks and thighs.
Development
The skin is made of three layers: the epidermis (outer layer), the dermis (middle layer) and the subcutaneous stratum (innermost layer). Although stretch marks appear to be red or purple streaks in the epidermis, the marks actually begin in the dermis. As the dermis is stretched beyond its natural elasticity, fibers break and microscopic bleeding occurs. The tissue becomes inflamed and darkens in color. At the same time, the epidermis also stretches and becomes translucent making the dark marks in the dermis more visible. The dark streaks do fade over time.
Causes
Stretch marks are caused by stretching the layers of the skin beyond their natural elasticity, and can develop as a result of a variety of conditions associated with rapid changes in weight. Pregnancy is most commonly connected with stretch marks, and 75 to 90 percent of pregnant women develop stretch marks during their pregnancy. Rapid physical changes during adolescence can cause stretch marks, and building muscle quickly through weight lifting can also cause stretch marks on the arms and shoulders. The Mayo Clinic also attributes stretch marks to the use of corticosteroid creams, lotions and pills, chronic steroid use and Cushing's syndrome.
Treatment
Stretch marks, although aesthetically unpleasing, are harmless and do not require medical treatment. Several treatments are available, but none are completely effective at removing stretch marks. Tretinoin cream (Retin-A, Renova) can lessen the appearance of stretch marks that are less than six weeks old. Pulsed dye laser therapy and Fractional photothermolysis are laser therapies that stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, proteins that give skin its elastic properties. Microdermabrasion removes the skin's topmost layer to stimulate new skin growth and is recommended for older stretch marks. Excimer laser therapy stimulates melanin production in order to increase pigmentation so that older stretch marks appear the same color as the surrounding skin.
Prevention
Stretch marks cannot be completely, effectively treated, nor can they be completely prevented. Creams and oils can help, and they feel nice, but they don't prevent stretch marks. "The best way to reduce the likelihood of a stretch mark's occurrence," advises the staff at the Mayo Clinic, "is to maintain a healthy weight, which has numerous other benefits. And even though it is inevitable and completely normal that a pregnant woman gains weight over a relatively brief period of time, she can work with her doctor to minimize that gain by maintaining a proper diet and pursuing a suitable exercise program."
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