Stretch marks are tears in the connective tissue, which can occur when the skin is stretched strongly. They are usually perceived as annoying for cosmetic reasons, but a health impairment does not emanate from them. Massages and alternating baths are recommended for prevention. Complete removal of stretch marks is not possible, but there are a number of treatments that can improve the appearance of the skin.
What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks are the tears in the connective tissue of the subcutaneous tissue that occur more frequently during pregnancy. Particularly susceptible areas of the body are the abdomen, hips, buttocks, breasts and upper arms. Due to the rapid growth of the abdomen and breasts during pregnancy, the skin there is exposed to enormous stress. The stretchability of the skin reaches its natural limits and tears. Stretch marks are a purely cosmetic problem and do not cause any pain or other problems. Over time, the bluish-red stripes fade to light scars.
Causes
Stretch marks are caused by the severe stretching of connective tissue during pregnancy. Due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, the elasticity of the skin decreases. This promotes the development of stretch marks. Some other factors can also contribute to the development of stretch marks. These are, for example, a weakness of the connective tissue and the strong and rapid weight gain during pregnancy. Due to the changes in the body, the connective tissue is overstretched and tears. The bluish-red color of the stretch marks is caused by the blood vessels running underneath. Stretch marks can occur not only during pregnancy. They can also be caused by rapid growth, exercise, medication or obesity.
Symptoms, complaints and signs
If stretch marks occur, they are mainly diagnosed by the affected person himself. They appear on the parts of the body where the skin is particularly affected by stretching due to pregnancy. The roughly parallel bluish-red stripes can be seen as fine cracks in the beginning. Later they become wider due to the stretching of the tissue. These skin stripes will not disappear because the skin is permanently damaged. What remains are light scars. Usually stretch marks do not cause pain. In rare cases, the tissue under the skin can become inflamed and the skin changes. In this case, pain may also occur. This must then be presented to the doctor immediately. More often, psychological problems occur when the stripes are still visible after pregnancy. Many women no longer feel attractive and suffer from the visible stripes. Anyone who wants to find out about treatment options for stretch marks should see a doctor promptly. The scars can be softened and the skin appearance improved, for example, with creams containing vitamin A acid or with a chemical peeling containing glycolic acid. Glycolic acid stimulates the production of new epidermal cells. The skin can also be treated with other methods, such as lasers.
Complications
Stretch marks are injuries under the skin that, like all wounds, can become infected. However, this is very rarely the case with stretch marks. In all cases, stretch marks turn dark during the acute injury phase and fade during the healing process. Severe stretch marks, as women often suffer especially during pregnancy, however, remain visible. If complications occur, they usually result from a disturbance in the healing process. The wounds under the skin can then become inflamed. Instead of gradually receding, the tears become much more visible, in severe cases there is also swelling, and the skin overlying the stretch marks changes. The inflamed areas of skin often feel hot, and in severe cases may even feel painful. Affected women should then see a doctor immediately. Much more often, however, stretch marks lead to psychological problems. Especially when the stretch marks are clearly visible and appear not only on the abdomen, but also on the hips, thighs and breasts, many women feel downright disfigured.Patients who suffer emotionally from unsightly stretch marks should consult a dermatologist or plastic surgeon promptly and learn about treatment options.
When should you go to the doctor?
In the case of stretch marks, it is usually not necessary to see a doctor. The condition does not negatively affect the health of the affected person. However, stretch marks can lead to mental suffering and thus be cause for cosmetic treatment. A doctor should also be consulted if the stretch marks cause pain or are associated with scars. In the case of stretch marks, a dermatologist or a general practitioner can be consulted in the first instance. Further treatment is then carried out by a specialist, depending on the degree and type of stretch marks.
Treatment and therapy
It is not yet possible to completely remove stretch marks. However, there are means to weaken the scarred lines so that they are perceived as less disturbing. One way to improve the appearance of the skin is to regularly apply creams containing vitamin A acid. Chemical peeling with glycolic acid also reduces stretch marks. Glycolic acid stimulates the production of new epidermal cells and thus strengthens the epidermis. Another method is the so-called microdermabrasion. Here the epidermis is lightly abraded. This treatment does not cause pain and makes the skin more elastic again. Microdermabrasion can also be combined with glycolic acid treatment. In dermabrasion the surface of the skin is rubbed with the help of a device. This treatment is usually performed with local or short anesthesia. Stretch marks can also be removed by laser. As the epidermis layers are removed, the treated body parts are reddened and swollen for a few days. A painful wound is created, which is covered by scabs. Surgical removal of stretch marks is also possible. However, in this case, the entire skin area riddled with stretch marks must be removed, which results in the formation of scars.
Prevention
To prevent stretch marks, it is recommended to regularly massage the skin on the parts of the body that are particularly stressed. Massages stimulate blood flow to the connective tissue, which results in increased elasticity. From the third month of pregnancy, the skin should be massaged twice a day. Particularly suitable is the so-called plucking massage, during which the skin is lifted between the thumb and forefinger and gently rubbed and twisted between the fingertips. The effect of such a massage can be further enhanced by the use of oil. Also very effective are oil massages of the abdomen and thighs with circular movements. Oil is preferable to cream in this case, as it is not absorbed into the skin as quickly. In the trade there is a large variety of products with natural ingredients such as grape seed oil, sesame oil or wheat germ oil. These can also be used without hesitation during pregnancy. A pleasant side effect of a massage with oil is that the feeling of tension in the skin decreases. The itching of the skin on the abdomen, which often occurs during pregnancy, is also alleviated. Alternating showers with cold and warm water, as well as brush massages, also stimulate blood circulation and have a positive effect on preventing stretch marks.
Aftercare
A skin that has developed stretch marks once will tend to do so again and again. The affected patient does not even have to be pregnant. Rapid weight gain can also lead to stretch marks. However, they may then be located in other places, for example on the inner thighs. Therefore, what is also important for prevention applies by and large to the aftercare of stretch marks: In addition to active weight management, the patient can reduce the appearance of existing stretch marks and prevent further occurrence of stretch marks with regular massages of the affected skin areas and those at risk. Meanwhile, there are various oils on the market that are said to have a good effect in combating stretch marks. But more important than the choice of oil is certainly the regularity with which it is applied.In general, sufficient skin care is important, especially if the patient had decided to treat the stretch marks invasively or even surgically. Here, care reduces the risk of developing unsightly scars. Sports and sauna visits are good ways to boost blood circulation to the skin. Good blood circulation in turn promotes the regeneration process. In general, however, stretch marks are a purely cosmetic problem. If it is overrated, a short psychotherapeutic therapy can help to put the focus on more important things.
This is what you can do yourself
Stretch marks are a phenomenon that is largely genetic in its expression. Nevertheless, in the context of self-help, some influence by the woman is possible. This refers to regular creaming of the affected areas on the abdomen and buttocks. The routine for this is best started in the first trimester and not when stripes are already forming. A belly band can also prevent the stripes, as it has a supporting effect. Here the woman is particularly well advised by a midwife. The tissue can also be loosened by hot water, so that extended baths are rather to be avoided. Stretch marks cannot always be avoided. Then it is part of the woman’s self-help to deal with it positively. She can tell herself that having a few stripes on her belly is the price of having a longed-for child. In severe cases, a psychologist can be consulted or, of course, the midwife can always be asked for advice. Also the man, respectively the father of the child, can relativize stretch marks in their influence on the woman’s psychological condition by confirming them as aesthetically unproblematic. After the birth, the woman is again in demand by performing postnatal gymnastics and regular creaming consistently for some time yet.
