Stretch Marks

Stretch marks (striae) that appear on the abdomen, breasts, hips, buttocks or other places on the body, is a type of scar that develops when the akin stretches or shrinks quickly. Sudden stretching causes the collagen and elastin, which support the skin, to rupture. Once the skin heals, stretch marks appear.

Causes :

Rapid Weight loss or gain : Sudden weight loss or gain stretches the skin resulting in stretch marks.
Growth Spurts : Common during puberty.
Pregnancy : As the abdomen expands, the skin stretches.
Hormonal Changes : Conditions like Cushing’s disease or Marfan syndrome can lead to stretch marks.
Genetics : A family history of stretch marks increases the likelihood.
Weight training : When you have rapid muscle growth.

Symptoms

Indented streaks or lines on the abdomen, hips, breasts, buttocks or other places on the body.
Streaks covering large areas of the body.
Pink, red, discoloured, black, blue or purple streaks.
Bright streaks that fade to a lighter color.

Treatment:

Retiniod cream : Derived from vitamin A, retinoids – such as tretinion. On topical application, it helps to rebuild a protein in the skin called collagen. There by the stretch marks look more like your normal skin.
Light and laser therapies : Stimulates the growth of collagen or promote elasticity to improve skin texture.
Microdermabrasion : Exfoliates the skin to improve appearance.
Microneedling : Tiny needles puncture the skin to stimulate healing and collagen production.
Chemical Peels : Removes the outer layer of skin to promote new growth.