A stretch mark is a form of scar seen as streaks, stripes, or lines that happen when our skin stretches or shrinks.
The marks can occur during pregnancy ,puberty of boys and girls, while gaining weight, and due to exercise.
These activities can make your collagen fibres damaged and stretched above their elastic limit.
Stretch marks are harmless, painless, and very common and are experienced by almost every person in this world. These do not require urgent medical care and can be treated at home as well.
Where are the most common places to get stretch marks?
Stretch marks are often seen when a woman’s abdomen gets larger during pregnancy. They can also be found in children who have become rapidly obese. stretch marks also occur during the rapid growth of puberty.
Stretch marks appear most commonly on
- Abdomen
- Breasts
- Hips
- Flank
- Buttocks
- Thighs
How do stretch marks occur?
Stretch marks are caused by the stretching of collagen fibres and elastic fibres that make up your skin by being inflated when you add body mass and deflated when you lose body mass, just like a balloon. However, our life-saving hormones fill the gap with scar tissue.
Common risk factors for stretch marks
- Pregnancy
- Growth spurts during puberty
- Rapid weight gain and weight loss
- Bodybuilding or weight-lifting exercises
- Steroid use for any reason.
- Breast enlargement surgery
Symptoms of stretch marks
- These are some symptoms shown while getting stretch marks.
- You have fine lines on your skin.
- Discoloration of skin (red, pink, black, or brown).
- The skin gradually becomes glossy and appears streaked.
- Itching due to dryness Irritation in the area of the onset
Home Remedies for Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are harmless to our physical health and will fade over time without any treatment. But if you feel uncomfortable with your appearance, it’s important to note that there is no magic to get rid of them.
Still, if you wish to minimise stretch marks, you might want to try the following home remedies.
Shea butter
Apart from being highly moisturising for the skin,shea butter possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Regular application of shea butter will keep your skin moist and repair any damaged cells.
Step 1. Apply shea butter to the affected areas and massage it in.
Note: Reapply the butter a few times during the day.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a wonder herb and also an essential ingredient to treat stretch marks. Aloe Vera plants are known for their soothing properties and fast healing processes. The compounds glucomannan and gibberellin increase collagen synthesis and fade stretch marks.
Step 1: Take out the fresh aloe vera gel from the leaf, add the vitamin A and E capsules, and mix well.
Step 2-Massage this into the affected skin until it dissolves completely.
Alternatively, use only the aloe vera gel, leave it on for 15 minutes, and then rinse with lukewarm water. Note: Repeat it till the stretch mark starts fading away.
Castor oil
Castor oil is used in the treatment of various skin problems.
Step 1:Apply the necessary amount of castor oil to the stretch marks and massage gently.
Step 2: Wrap the area in a thin cotton cloth. Apply some heat to the area by using a hot water bottle or heating pad.
Note: Repeat the process daily for one month to notice a positive result.
Medical treatments
If you don’t have patience and don’t want to wait, then there are medical treatments like laser therapy, microdermabrasion, and tretinoin topical cream that can help to fade away the stretch marks. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about the medications.
here doctor explaining causes of stretch marks
FAQ’s
Are stretch marks genetic?
The cause of stretch marks is over stretching of the skin. But the severity is affected by several factors, including your genetics.
Can stretch marks go away?
Text HereStretch marks do not go away on their own. But there are ways that you can lessen their appearance.
Can stretch marks be itchy?
Unfortunately, some stretch marks become itchy . They itch due to dry skin caused by internal imbalance, and when they are developing, there are changes in the collagen.
Conclusion
There is no perfect home remedy, but topical treatments can help with a permanent cure for stretch marks. More research is needed to clarify what’s most effective and who these procedures are most likely to help. Almost all stretch marks will fade away over time, even if you don’t treat them.
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