Whether it’s from rapid weight gain, intense muscle building, or the rapid pace of aging, stretch marks can affect anyone. But what exactly are these skin changes? How can you detect them early and how can they be treated? Learn more here!
Stretch marks (striae) are strip-shaped skin changes. Medically, they are scars caused by overstretching of the skin after the collagen-containing fibers in the tissue tear. They look like slightly raised, pale pinkish-red or brownish lines – depending on the skin type. As we age, they may fade, but remain for a lifetime.
Did you know: they do not occur equally on all parts of the body, but where the subcutaneous fatty tissue is particularly dense. Such as the chest, thighs or buttocks. In addition to a genetic weakness of the connective tissue, the following factors favor the development of stretch marks:
As a rule, stretch marks are not a medical problem. They are often a cosmetic concern, which can make sufferers feel uncomfortable in their skin, as they usually occur on exposed areas of the body. But note: a metabolic disorder called Cushing’s syndrome can also cause stretch marks, along with other symptoms, so in very rare cases they can be indicative of such a condition.
Stretch marks are caused by rapid and prolonged stretching of the skin, which can cause collagen fibers to tear. What remains is stretched scarred altered skin. This has nothing to do with skin ageing per se, but can be caused by rapid growth during puberty, pregnancy or sudden weight gain. They can affect both men and women equally and often occur in areas where the subcutaneous fatty tissue is particularly dense. This means that stretch marks occur much more frequently on the breasts, hips and thighs than in other areas.
A slightly pink to reddish, streaky discoloration of the skin may be a first sign – but not to be confused with acne. In the early stages, the stripes are often rough and raised because the skin has been stretched. Later, the color can fade and adapt to the individual skin type. It is important to recognize them in time so that measures can be taken to minimize them if possible.
Usually stretch marks are not a medical problem and therefore do not need to be treated. However, it is absolutely understandable that some people may want treatment for visual reasons in order to rid their skin of scarring. Especially if you are restricted in your everyday life because you no longer dare to expose the affected areas, treatment can be useful. However, it is important to clarify the expectations. This is because several treatments are usually necessary to visibly reduce the stripes. And beware: unfortunately, complete removal of the strips is not possible with any medical procedure.
Last updated: 16.01.2024
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