For many women, stretch marks are more to be cringe than sagging thighs. Hence, 90% of all women will have these pink or reddish, itchy streaks on their breasts, hips and abdomen that are slightly indented, sometime during pregnancy.

Pregnancy brings with it new hopes and dreams. It also brings with it the ugly stretch marks. Contrary to the common belief, pregnancy is not the sole reason for stretch marks. Several factors like weight gain and, hormonal changes are responsible for causing stretch marks. Expectant mothers who have good, elastic skin tone (because they inherited it or earned it through years of excellent nutrition and exercise) may slip through several pregnancies without a single telltale striation. Others may be able to minimize, if not prevent, stretch marks by keeping weight gain steady, gradual and moderate.

Here are a few frequently asked questions about stretch marks and their answers.

What are stretch marks?

Stretch marks are bright red or pink or white streaks visible on the skin especially on the abdomen, breasts and thighs.

What causes stretch marks?

Stretch marks are caused when elastin protein present in the skin is damaged due to stretching of the skin accompanied by increased cortisol levels.

When do stretch marks develop?

Stretch marks usually appear during the last trimester of pregnancy when the skin in the abdominal region stretches to accommodate the growing uterus. Excessive weight gain also results in stretch marks. Hormonal changes associated with puberty also often result in stretch marks. Creams or lotions which contain corticosteroids can also cause stretch marks. Sometimes stretch marks may indicate an underlying disease like Cushing’s syndrome or disorders of the adrenal gland.

What treatments are available for stretch marks?

Stretch marks usually fade over time. However, if you are concerned about the appearance of your skin, consult a dermatologist who can suggest the best treatment option for you.

Some common treatments for stretch marks include:

• Topical creams: Your doctor may recommend using a topical cream which contains Vitamin A, Vitamin E and alpha hydroxy acids. Tretinoin creams are effective in treatment of stretch marks which are not older than six weeks. Tretinoin helps build collagen in the skin, keeping it firm and supple. However, its use is contraindicated during pregnancy.

• Laser therapy: There are several types of laser therapy available for treating stretch marks. Pulsed dye laser therapy uses laser beams to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin in the skin. Excimer laser therapy on the other hand aims to restore skin to its former condition by stimulating production of melanin, thereby causing re-pigmentation of area scarred by stretch marks.

• Microdermabrasion: This process involves removal of the top layer of skin by blowing crystals onto the skin with the aim of "sanding" away the top layer. Once the top layer has been removed, new elastic skin will grow in its place.

If you do develop stretch marks during pregnancy, you can console yourself with the knowledge that they will gradually fade to a silvery sheen some months after delivery. It may also help to think of them as less as a disfigurement than as a medal of motherhood.

Jason Ladock

Copyrighted material; do not reprint without permission.

 

View all articles by Jason Ladock