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 Stretch
marks are white or violet or red lines in place where the skin was stretched. Striae is scarry tissue. In the English-speaking
countries Striae is also called Striae Atrophicans, Striae Rubra, Striae Alba,
Stretch Marks and Striae Distensae.
Why stretch
marks?
Stretch
marks occur due to the stretched skin and hormonal changes. Under the action of
hormones like corticosteroids, progesterone the skin may get inelastic; its top
layers may get thin and as a result with loads internal tear occur, which then
replace by connective tissue.
Why different
color stretch marks?
Once the
connective tissue is generated in the inner tears the blood-vessels in it give
the stretch marks a red or blue color. By time the vessels get empty and stretch
marks whiten. Striae present connective tissue without any pigment, so when
tanning Striae stay white and more visible in the tanned skin.
When stretch
marks occur?
Striae
occur during pregnancy period, in the teenage, when you promptly put on weight,
as well as with endocrine diseases, in particular with presence of the syndrome
Itsenko-Kushing, characterized with increased synthesis of glucocorticoids by
adrenal gland. Stretch marks may occur when a person takes glucocorticoids for
a long period (prednisolone, hydrocortisone and others) with oral intake and as
an ointment. Striae may be caused by genetic reasons.
The place
for the frequent stretch marks?
During
pregnancy stretch marks often occur on the tummy, thighs and breasts. Striae in
the teenage period often appear on the belly, hips, in lumbar area and breasts.
With long intake of glucocorticoids (prednisolone, hydrocortisone and others),
and with presence of the syndrome Itsenko-Kushing, Striae may appear along the
body and face. And in this case Striae take more areas and look more extensive
and wide than Striae appearing during pregnancy and in the teenage period.
Are the stretch
marks harmful?
Stretch
marks do not affect the health, however, there are reasons that cause Striae,
and in particular the syndrome of Itsenko-Kushing,
and may be harmful.
You should
see the doctor if stretch marks appear:
-
without
pregnancy
-
with high
blood pressure
-
redistribution
of fat to the upper body
-
with unwanted hair in face, chest, upper back (hirsutism)
How to
prevent from stretch marks development?
There are
special creams by Vichy (Vergetures), Biotherm (Biovergetures), Galenic
(Specific Vergetures), Gernetic, Phytomer (Pre Vergetures), Lierac
(Photolastil). These products have as components ether oils, herbal extracts, collagen
and elastin that strengthen the skin. To prevent stretch marks you may use home
staff like olive oil that should be applied to skin in areas of hypothetical
Striae. Stretch marks appearing in regards to the exceeding weight can be
prevented by diet and application of staff against Striae.
How to get
rid of stretch marks?
585-nm
flash-lamp pulsed dye laser is applied in process of stretch marks treatment
that may be used along with peeling. Also retinoids (Retin-А, Avita) are used
to remove stretch marks.
Is it
possible to remove stretch marks?
It is
impossible to get rid of stretch marks in full extent. Surgical intervention
also is not able to solve this problem fully. When performing abdominoplastery
over-stretched skin is removed along with stretch marks, though with abundant stretch
marks it is not possible to to have them gone away.
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