When our skin stretches or shrinks quickly, it can leave scars called stretch marks, which usually appear as lines or bands on our skin. Stretch marks are defined as long, thin lines, stripes, or streaks that appear on the skin. They are very common and happen when the skin is suddenly stretched. Stretch marks can appear on anyone, though they usually affect women more than men. This kind of scarring develops when the skin, following a period of rapid growth, is unable to return to its normal form. Although stretch marks are not painful or harmful, some people find their skin unattractive because of them.
In this blog, we will learn about the various causes of stretch marks. To make this post knowledgeable, we have gained insights from Dr. Rasya Dixit, renowned as the best dermatologist in Bangalore. Continue reading to learn.
Where do Stretch Marks Occur?
Stretch marks, also known as striae, are discoloured, depressed, and scar-like lines in one’s skin. When the skin contracts or stretches quickly, they become apparent.
Typically, stretch marks show up on:
- Abdomen or stomach
- Thighs
- Hips
- Breasts
- Upper arms
- Lower back
- Buttocks
Common Causes Of Stretch Marks
- Pregnancy
Stretch marks are a common pregnancy symptom caused by the skin expanding to make space for the growing fetus. Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can also soften skin fibres, increasing the likelihood of "tearing" and stretch marks. Most people get stretch marks during or right after their sixth month of pregnancy. Breastfeeding frequently causes stretch marks in the breasts and abdomen.
- Rapid Weight/ Muscle Gain
Stretch marks are more likely to appear the more weight one gains and the faster the weight grows. The majority of bodybuilders occasionally put on a lot of muscle mass quickly, which can also result in stretch marks.
- Puberty
Adolescents going through puberty typically gain a substantial amount of weight or increase in height quickly. Stretch marks are a result of the skin's rapid stretching during puberty, which may outpace collagen production in the skin despite the skin being relatively elastic at birth.
- Medical Conditions
Stretch marks have been linked to medical conditions like Cushing's syndrome and Marfan syndrome. The elasticity of one’s skin tissue is significantly reduced when they have Marfan syndrome, which restricts how much it can stretch. Cushing's syndrome, on the other hand, causes an excess of the hormone cortisol, which causes fast weight gain and a decrease in skin elasticity. Additionally, stretch marks can result from certain medical conditions that cause rapid weight gain, sudden growth, or skin problems.
- Corticosteroid Use
Corticosteroids cause the skin to produce less collagen, which weakens and thins the skin. Therefore, using corticosteroid-containing creams and lotions for an extended period of time may increase the risk of developing stretch marks.
- Genetics
Studies have found a connection between stretch marks and family history. This implies that one’s chances of getting stretch marks are increased if a close relative already has them.
Conclusion
Stretch marks are a common condition that can affect anyone. Even though stretch marks are common, people might not like the way they appear on the body. If one is looking for stretch mark treatment in Bangalore, one can visit Dr. Dixit Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic. The expert dermatologist, Dr. Rasya Dixit, provides highly advanced treatment options such as micro needling with growth factor treatment, TIXEL treatment, fractional CO2 laser and fractional microneedle RF treatments. Visit the clinic to learn about the treatments in detail.
