Stretch Marks- Some More Causes and Cures
Stretch marks are called stria atrophicae in the field of dermatology. They are often characterized as scarring on the skin due to weight gain. They appear on body parts where higher amounts of fats are accumulated. Such body parts are the thighs, hips, buttocks, and the abdomen.
Stretch marks are created when the middle layer of the skin, i.e. dermis, stretches to its maximum elasticity to fit a new and larger body. They first appear as reddish purple lines due to microscopic bleeding and along with tissue inflammation, they are now considered as newly formed stretch marks. With this the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin, also stretches making it visible enough for the reddish purple lines to be seen. And when these heal, the scar itself forms with a lighter shade than that of the natural skin tone.
Some studies also show that stretch marks are associated with a group of steroids called glucocorticoids, cortisol being the most common of them. Research proved that when human body is under stress, it releases an above normal level of cortisol. Consequently, halting fibrolasts from forming collagen and elastin fibers needed to keep new skin firm. These lead now to the tearing of dermal and epidermal layers due to lack of supportive material.
Excess amounts of cortisol could inhibit the formation of elastin fibers and collagen from fibrolasts, which are both needed to keep new skin firm. As a consequence, the dermal and epidermal layer of the skin could tear easily due to the absence of these supportive substances.
On the other hand, retinoids and alpha-hydroxy acids negate the bad effects caused by steroids. And this combination reduces the formation of stretch marks.
Other methods are available to make existing stretch marks barely there, including laser treatments, dermabrasion, and prescription retinoids. Dermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure in which the stratum corneum (outer surface of the epidermis) is being removed by abrasion, or sanding, targeting sun-damaged skin and dark spots on the skin. A laser treatment, called fractional laser resurfacing, uses pulses of light that creates microscopic wounds on the scar. In which, body produces new collagen and epithelium that improves the texture and appearance of mature stretch marks.
Another method uses a surgical procedure, the tummy tuck. In here, the part of skin below the navel is being removed because this is where stretch marks oftenly form.
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