Synonyms in a broader sense
stretch marks, Striae distensea, Striae gravidarum, Striae rubrae
Introduction
During pregnancy, cracks in the skin can occur due to mechanical stress and rapid stretching of the skin. These stretch marks are also called stretch marks (Striae gravidarum). They mainly affect parts of the body such as the abdomen, buttocks, thighs and breasts of women.
These tears are located in the subcutaneous tissue and are irreparable and do not regress. At the beginning the stripes are usually blue-reddish. After some time, the stretch marks fade away again, but remain visible as light scars on the outside.
About 70-90% of pregnant women are affected by stretch marks. The reason is mainly a weak connective tissue, which is physically predisposed. But also a multiple pregnancy, overweight and little physical activity favour the development of stretch marks.
Since stretch marks cannot be removed once they are there, one should take preventive action above all. The goal of a therapy can later only be to positively influence the scarring. This can be achieved by specific personal hygiene of the affected regions, for example by applying cream, or in more serious cases by laser therapy or cryotherapy (cold treatment).
In addition, regular sports activities, connective tissue massages and alternating showers also help to improve the skin’s appearance. A drug treatment is not possible. Since stretch marks are scars in the subcutis, a complete removal of stretch marks that are no longer visible externally is not possible.
However, the visibility of the stretch marks can be reduced and faded by various applications. It is also effective to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy with creams, oils and massages. There are several ways to remove stretch marks.
One of the probably easiest is the application of special scar ointments and oils. Taking zinc is also said to have a supportive effect and make the stretch marks fade. Another method is micro-needling, whereby tiny needles are rolled over the skin with a derma roller.
This favors a better absorption of active ingredients from ointments and thus promotes skin regeneration. This method is already used in scar treatment and can also be used at home without problems. Less painful is the use of ultrasound.
It is intended to initiate metabolic processes in the skin, which also promotes the absorption of active ingredients in the tissue. Furthermore, there is the possibility to treat stretch marks with a laser. The principle is similar to the removal of a tattooOne way to remove stretch marks, but also conventional stretch marks is laser therapy.
The laser treatment can improve the color and size of the stripes. The result of the treatment depends on the initial findings. As with all measures against stretch marks, laser treatment cannot promise complete removal.
During laser treatment, small flashes of light enter the affected skin areas. This stimulates the natural healing process in the tissue, new cells are formed and promotes the regression of destroyed skin. Since only small areas of skin are treated, several sessions, usually three to five, are necessary for complete treatment and for an optimal result.
No anesthesia or hospital stay is necessary for the application. After each laser treatment, redness or swelling of the treated skin areas may occur, but this usually only lasts for a week. The treatment can be slightly painful, as with tattoo removal, but this can be alleviated with a cooling gel.
There are numerous home remedies available that can minimize stretch marks and stretch marks and reduce the color contrast slightly. It is of course important to use the household remedies regularly and continuously to achieve a success. One method is to massage them with a high quality, cold pressed olive oil, which you can buy in any supermarket.
You can warm up the olive oil slightly before applying it to the skin in circular movements. Another household remedy is the application of compresses.To do this, pour hot water over a handful of lady’s mantle herb and let it steep for 10 minutes. Then a cloth is soaked in this brew.
The compress should be applied to the affected areas twice a day for 15 minutes. A self-made peeling can also reduce stretch marks. For this, mix sugar or coarse salt with a good oil.
Then massage this peeling onto the affected areas of skin and finally rinse off with water. The peeling can be used up to three times a week. In addition, regular alternating showers and exercise in the form of endurance sports help to stimulate the blood circulation.
This makes the skin look firmer and healthier. There are numerous creams on the market that advertise the removal or reduction of stretch marks and stretch marks. They differ mainly in price.
It is important to know that stretch marks cannot be removed by the sole application of creams. At best, they can be minimized a little. Regular use of creams provides the skin with sufficient moisture and, in combination with massaging movements, increases the blood circulation of the skin.
This leads to a healthy looking, firmer looking skin. When buying a cream, you should always make sure that it is based primarily on natural ingredients and is free of preservatives. This prevents skin irritations and can be optimally processed by the skin. Creams containing aloe vera provide a lot of moisture and also have a cooling effect. In addition, special ointments and creams are available in the pharmacy, which, when used regularly, should optically minimize scars.
