Definition
Stretch marks are known in medicine as “Stria cutis atrophica” or “Stria cutis desitensae”. Stretch marks that develop during pregnancy are called “Stria gravida”. Stretch marks on the skin are cracks in the subcutaneous tissue (subcutis).
For numerous reasons, such as hormonal fluctuations, genetic predisposition or rapid weight gain, tears occur in the subcutis. The collagen fibres, which give the skin its elasticity, cannot withstand the stretching due to strong tension or collagen weakness and tear. On the superficial skin, these cracks appear as reddish streaks.
This is caused by the vessels in the subcutaneous tissue shimmering through. With time, however, the stripes fade and light scars remain. Particularly frequently affected regions are the stomach, chest, thighs and bottom.
Causes
The causes of stretch marks are numerous. Often women are affected during pregnancy or puberty. During this time the female body is subject to strong hormonal fluctuations.
A balance of progesterone and oestrogens gives the connective tissue its strength. A lack of oestrogen during puberty, pregnancy or especially during menopause causes the connective tissue structure to loosen. This makes the skin, at that time, more prone to stretch marks and cellulite.
During pregnancy there is also an increase in the glucocoticoid concentration. Glucocorticoids also lead to a loosening of connective tissue and promote weight gain. Other reasons include rapid growth, both in terms of size and weight gain, which can be the cause of stretch marks.
In the context of bodybuilding, with rapid muscle growth, stretch marks are often unavoidable. Overweight or drug-induced Cushing’s syndrome can also be responsible for the development of stretch marks. In Cushing’s disease there is on the one hand enormous weight gain, especially in the face and trunk area, and on the other hand increased cortisone concentrations, which, like glucocorticoids during pregnancy, cause a loosening of the connective tissue. In the case of stretch marks on the buttocks, weight gain and genetic connective tissue weakness play a particularly important role.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis usually results from the clinical appearance. Typical sites and the appearance of the stripes usually already allow a diagnosis. To clarify the cause, helpful examination methods are the patient interview and a possible blood test. In the conversation with the patient most of the important information about metabolic diseases or medication can be found out. The blood test can provide increased certainty with regard to the hormonal and metabolic state of the body.
Associated symptoms
In many cases, patients experience itching at the stretched skin areas. However, this itching should not be excessive. In very rare cases, an inflammation of the subcutis may occur.
Fresh tears/stretch marks are wounds of the subcutaneous tissue which, like superficial wounds, are potentially inflamed. In case of pain or swelling, a dermatologist should therefore be consulted for clarification. Otherwise stretch marks are more likely to occur themselves as a concomitant of other diseases, including hormonal/metabolic diseases, obesity, Cushing’s disease. Physiological processes can also cause stretch marks as accompanying symptoms. These include pregnancy, faster size growth, rapid muscle development and puberty.
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