|
|
|
tretch marks are very thin scars that commonly develop when the skin is stretched for a long period of time. This stretching strains the elastic fibers in the deeper layers of the skin to the point where they cannot regain their original resiliency. In simple terms, the skin doesn’t “snap back” to its original shape.
The most common sites for stretch marks are the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, and breasts. They usually show up at puberty (when young girls and boys fill out very rapidly), and with obesity and pregnancy. People who do repeated and strenuous exercises, like weight lifters and ballet dancers, often develop stretch marks as well. Less common factors include certain glandular disturbances, severe illnesses, such as scarlet fever and typhoid, and the use of salves and lotions containing strong cortisone-like preparations, when used in body folds over long periods of time.
Stretch marks are initially reddish or purple. After many months, however, the color usually fades out and these shallow scars become white.
There are no measures in the form of lotions, creams, or ointments that can decrease or erase these scars – so don’t believe those ads that promise to get rid of them. Plastic surgeons may recommend a rather complicated surgical procedure that involves cutting away a great deal of skin, tightening up the underlying muscles, and following all this up with dermabrasion. Before you contemplate such a drastic measure, keep in mind that the only problem stretch marks cause is a cosmetic one.
Two fairly simple measures you can take to prevent stretch marks are to avoid gaining too much weight and to avoid extreme tension on the skin.
 |  |  |
|
|
|