Get Rid of those Skin Streaks

WOMEN'S HEALTH

Women get stretch marks most commonly during pregnancy. According to an estimate, about 50 to 90 per cent of expecting mothers develop stretch marks before childbirth. Experts state that secretion of hormones makes a pregnant woman more vulnerable to getting stretch marks. Apart from local application of oils and ointments for prevention of these marks, a woman can adopt ways to put on pregnancy weight slowly and steadily.

What are stretch marks?

Stretch marks are basically a type of scar that a person gets when the skin stretches or shrinks quickly, causing damage to the two proteins called collagen and elastin. Collagen imparts rigidity and strength to the skin, while elastin allows it to remain flexible and bounce to its original shape. As the ruptured skin gets healed after the sudden stretching or shrinking, one may develop stretch marks. Medically called striae distensae or striae gravidarum, these marks look like indented streaks which may be red, purple, or silver in colour, depending on the complexion of a person. Stretch marks often appear on the abdomen, breasts, hips, buttocks and thighs. The early marks may appear slightly raised and cause irritation. With the progress of time, the colour fades and the narrow bands sink beneath the skin. At this stage, a slight depression may be felt on the stretch mark when touched with a finger.

Who are likely to get stretch marks?

Women are more likely to develop stretch marks, though heredity and genetics play a major role in this regard. Stretch marks may develop during growth spurts in puberty and at the time of pregnancy. Rapid weight loss or gain is another culprit. Stretch marks may also appear if somebody has rapid muscle growth during weight training. Prolonged application of a corticosteroid may lead to stretch marks on the skin too.

Other risk factors include being overweight, gaining or losing weight quickly, having breast augmentation, carrying such genetic disorders like Cushing's syndrome or Marfan syndrome.

How do we reduce and treat stretch marks?

More than for any health complications, stretch marks are a matter of concern for cosmetic reasons. Even if a woman is at a greater risk of developing stretch marks, there are certain things that can be done to reduce the risk on the one hand and treat the existing marks on the other.

(1) Control weight: For prevention of stretch marks, even during pregnancy, one needs to maintain a healthy weight. It is a good bet not to allow body changes to happen too quickly. Weight management is possible through consumption of healthy diet and regular exercise. One must consult the doctor if there is rapid weight gain or loss.

(2) Drink water: Water helps the skin to remain soft, supple and hydrated. So it is a good thing to drink plenty of fresh water. Ideally, a man should have a daily water intake of more than three litres, while a woman should drink slightly more than two litres of water every day. But one should not include sugary drinks and caffeinated beverages like coffee in the fluid intake. These may actually aggravate the risk of getting stretch marks. So one should stick to water, herbal tea and caffeine-free fluids alone.

(3) Eat healthy diet: Lack of nutrition may also cause stretch marks. A woman must eat a nutrient-rich diet for good skin health. She must ensure that she gets adequate quantities of vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, zinc and proteins in her food. The best way to have a balanced diet is to include a variety of fresh and unprocessed food items. Vitamin C is important for development of collagen. It is found in abundance in many fruits (especially the citrus variety like oranges and lemons) and vegetables. Collagen keeps the skin strong and elastic, and prevents easy onset of wrinkles and stretch marks.

Like vitamin C, vitamin D (the sunshine vitamin) is also essential to reduce the risk of stretch marks. Adequate exposure to sunlight is the best way to get your dose of the vitamin. Vitamin C is also found added to bread, cereal and dairy products like milk or yoghurt.

Zinc is another nutrient that helps maintain optimum skin health by reducing inflammation and helping the healing process. Nuts and fish contain zinc.

(4) Immediate treatment: Like other scars, stretch marks are also not easily removable. But a woman can always work to make them less noticeable. She must see a doctor or dermatologist at the first sight of stretch marks on the body. The doctor will be able to ascertain the reasons for appearance of the stretch marks and the best treatment module for their removal. Stretch marks are best treated when they are new.

How do women manage stretch marks during pregnancy?

Women get stretch marks most commonly during pregnancy. According to an estimate, about 50 to 90 per cent of expecting mothers develop stretch marks before childbirth. Experts state that secretion of hormones makes a pregnant woman more vulnerable to getting stretch marks. Apart from local application of oils and ointments for prevention of these marks, a woman can adopt ways to put on pregnancy weight slowly and steadily. Choose a proper diet plan and exercise regimen with the help of a healthcare provider. Most stretch marks developed during pregnancy fade away over time. But the stubborn ones may need specialised treatment like application of retinoid cream, laser therapy, and use of glycolic acid. But such treatment options are expensive. Also, the use of topical retinoid creams may carry risks during pregnancy and nursing.

The conclusion

It is almost impossible to completely remove stretch marks once they set in and remain on the body for a certain period of time. There is no miracle cure. Though several manufacturers of creams, oils, gels and other personal care items claim to help prevent and treat stretch marks, there is no scientific evidence in this regard. Many so-called home remedies also do not work effectively in reality. The best option is to seek medical advice as soon as these marks appear or when they cover a large part of the body.

There is a general consensus that stretch marks do not require treatment unless it is undertaken to improve the self-image of the person who has got these marks. The stretch marks are regarded unsightly, but they often fade over time with or without treatment. But it is also a fact that the stretch marks may not be removed completely. In any case, there is no need for excessive worry as these marks carry no long-term health risks.

Also Read: Nutritious may not be always good

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