![]() Rapid Growth During AdolescenceĪ factor that can contribute to the development of stretch marks is the intense hormonal changes causing the increasing level of certain hormones called glucocorticoids, which are produced by human adrenal glands. This is because the excessive fat or increase in muscle stretched the skin for a long period of time. Adversely, when the body experiences rapid weight loss, stretch marks can become more evident. However, if muscles are developed at a slower pace, stretch marks are less likely to appear. When the body increases in size too quickly, the skin can’t stretch far enough and markings may develop due to the stress placed on the skin. Additionally, weight loss can reveal stretch marks. This can occur through weight gain by way of obesity as well as from weight lifting. ![]() It is very common to see stretch marks when experiencing weight gain or weight loss due to the rapid development of stretched skin. ![]() Twenty percent (14 of 71) of teenagers had severe striae, a finding not seen as often in women over 30 years of age. Studies have also demonstrated that the color variations of stretch marks are similar to the wound-healing process of regular scar formation.Ī study in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care states that “pregnancy is a period in which more than 90 percent women have significant and complex skin changes that may have great impact on the woman’s life.” Ultimately, when the skin is stretched for long periods of time, it can cause stretch marks.Īnother study showed that stretch marks can be more severe and occur more often during pregnancy at younger ages. ![]() Reduced amounts of fibrillin, a glycoprotein essential for the formation of elastic fibers found in connective tissue, diminished the elastin in the skin and contributes to the atrophied appearance of stretch marks. Numerous studies of mature stretch marks show that stretched collagen fibers aligned parallel to the skin surface, followed by subsequent loss of collagen and increased flattening. Stretch marks are separated from normal skin by a densely packed area of thin, collagen bundles. Eventually, they can develop a white or silver-like appearance and become flat, shiny and depressed. Another stage is characterized by a purple or reddish mark, and, third, the chronic stage is noted by flattened areas of skin with a pink-red hue that may be itchy and slightly raised, susceptible to lengthening and acquiring a dark purple hue. Stage one is the acute stage and is characterized by red and slightly raised stretch marks. Studies have shown that there are three stages of stretch marks. Stretch marks have been reported in patients with chronic liver disease, HIV, cachectic states and anorexia nervosa. High steroid hormone levels can have an effect on the decrease of collagen. It has also been suggested that stretch marks can be caused by high serum levels of steroid hormones induced for a local or systemic steroid therapy or Cushing’s disease. The tissue ultimately gets damaged due to stretching, and this stretching of the skin, or dermis, causes scarring. Essentially, stretch marks are caused by the skin being overstretched, which occurs in certain, but rather common, conditions - such as pregnancy, obesity and growing (during adolescence). Stretch marks occur because the middle layer of the skin is torn. Our skin consist of a top layer called the epidermis, the middle layer called the dermis and then the base layer. So, how to get rid of stretch marks? While you can’t make them disappear, you can diminish their overall appearance by using certain natural remedies (discussed below). Stretch marks, also known as striae distensae, are found more often in women than men - and they typically appear in the abdomen area, the breasts, outer thighs, buttocks, thighs and upper arms. Even though stretch marks rarely cause any significant medical problems, they can be annoying, distressful and cause embarrassment because it often seems there is no way to get rid of them.
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