Stripes on the abdomen can be a significant cosmetic problem, as they are abnormal and unsightly skin irritations. While stripes on the abdomen are common, they do not occur in everyone. Women are statistically more likely to be affected by abdominal stripes than men.
What are stripes on the abdomen?
In common parlance, abdominal stripes are also called stretch marks or stretch marks. Stripes on the abdomen affect the largest organ of the human body, the skin. Anatomically refined and built to resist, certain impacts can cause abnormal, unsightly irritation with long-term effects. In common parlance, abdominal stripes are also called stretch marks or stretch marks. In fact, stripes on the abdomen occur more frequently in pregnant women, but by no means in every pregnant woman. For the definition of stripes on the abdomen, the term stretch marks is accurate in terms of causes and formation. This is because stripes on the abdomen are the outwardly visible sign of a physiological or pathological overstretching in the subcutaneous connective tissue. Stretch marks can also appear on other parts of the body in addition to the abdomen if there is a corresponding disposition. If the unsightly stripes occur in the context of pregnancy, they are physiological, but if they occur in the context of overweight, the stripes are considered pathological, i.e. pathological. In medical parlance, we also speak of so-called striae cutis, skin stripes.
Causes
Pregnancy represents the main cause of stretch marks on the abdomen, but it is not the only cause, as is always mistakenly believed. Stretch marks due to pregnancy are also called striae gravidarum. Overstretching of the skin connective tissue is almost always associated with an increase in body weight. Pathophysiologically, increased fat is deposited in the lower abdominal fat cells, which over time creates significant tension in the subcutaneous tissue. The subcutis can only compensate for this pressure to a certain extent. If the pressure exceeds the compensation possibilities, the subcutaneous connective tissue tears and the unsightly stripes appear. These are therefore real micro-injuries in the subcutaneous tissue. The more or less pronounced appearance of stripes on the abdomen is related to the elasticity of the subcutaneous tissue, which varies somewhat from person to person due to genetic factors. Thus, a genetic disposition with pronounced connective tissue weakness can greatly promote the appearance of stripes on the abdomen.
Diseases with this symptom
- Weakness of connective tissue
- Obesity
- Stretch marks
Diagnosis and course
Diagnosis of stretch marks is made by close inspection of the affected areas of skin on the abdomen or other parts of the body. There are many blood vessels in the subcutaneous tissue, which easily shine through when stripes appear on the abdomen and therefore give the stripes a faint reddish or bluish color. Today it is assumed that pregnancy stripes are also an expression of a profound hormonal change. Due to hormonal changes, the elasticity and flexibility of the skin are obviously reduced. In the course of pregnancy, it is often the midwives who notice the stripes. The connective tissue of the skin is particularly susceptible to overstretching due to its high content of so-called collagen fibers. The anatomical compactness also decreases with insufficient fluid intake. Although the tears caused by abdominal stripes are very delicate, they cannot be undone and therefore remain as a skin irritation for the rest of the patient’s life. Streaks on the abdomen regardless of the cause or degree of extension are considered harmless.
Complications
Those who are bothered by unsightly stripes on the abdomen do not have to undergo cosmetic surgery right away. There are some things that those affected can do themselves against this not only cosmetic problem. The overstretching in the subcutaneous connective tissue can be counteracted with creams, ointments and tablets containing the active ingredient vitamin A acid. However, such remedies should not be used during pregnancy. A simple but effective home remedy is (daily) alternating showers. The external application of diluted trichloroacetic acid has also proven to be a good treatment method, as has the application of compresses made from lady’s mantle decoction.Rubbing the skin with the slices of unsprayed citrus fruits or cucumbers can help, as well as rubbing the affected skin areas with the juice of a cut potato. In general, aloe vera, fresh egg whites and Schuessler salts are highly recommended for external treatment. In this context, it is important to have patience. The measures must be taken regularly and often for months. In pronounced cases, consultation with the dermatologist should be made regarding cryotherapy or laser treatment. The best therapy against cracks in the abdominal skin is and remains prevention. Massages keep the skin elastic and supple. Regular sports and healthy diet are effective against overweight, so that stretch marks do not appear in the first place. Excessive abdominal muscle training should be avoided.
When should you go to the doctor?
Stripes on the abdomen are at first glance not a clinical picture that needs to be examined or treated by a doctor. These said stripes on the abdomen are caused by a rapid change in the skin. For example, if the skin is stretched very much within a short period of time, then very small cracks appear. These small cracks are visible as stripes. However, they do not represent a health hazard. Thus, they are only of an optical nature, so that affected persons need not worry about this at all. In some cases, affected individuals with stripes on the abdomen are very unhappy. They are ashamed of these stripes on the abdomen, so in such a case, going to the doctor can still help. There are special, but at the same time very expensive therapies that can be used. In addition, even at the first signs of stripes on the abdomen, affected persons can take their own measures. Moisturizing creams or ointments can keep the skin elastic and stretchable. After all, brittle and dry skin cracks much faster, so such creams and ointments can be used to counteract this negative phenomenon.
Treatment and therapy
Due to the chronic, lifelong course, a really effective therapy of stretch marks turns out to be difficult. A special therapy is not necessary in most cases. However, from a certain degree of extension, the unsightly stripes are a not insignificant cosmetic problem. But even in these cases, treatment will have to be limited to conservative measures. Due to the anatomical structures of the subcutaneous connective tissue, aesthetic surgery to eliminate the stripes is reserved for really severe cases. During cosmetic surgery the scars are removed, but this does not guarantee the reappearance of stripes on the abdomen. Creams or ointments containing the active ingredient vitamin A acid have proven helpful in reducing stripes on the abdomen. Oral intake of vitamin A acid in tablet form also represents a therapeutic attempt. The ingredient leads to better scar regression, but cannot help stretch marks disappear completely. The so-called cryotherapy works with locally applied cold to contain the stretch marks. External application of diluted trichloroacetic acid has also proven helpful in some cases. In addition, specialized dermatology practices offer special laser techniques to treat striae.
Outlook and prognosis
Stretch marks occur on tissues that are under a lot of stress, usually on the breasts, thighs and abdomen. They are most common on the abdomen as a result of pregnancy. After pregnancy, the connective tissue is loosened and the existing stripes, which are usually light in color, are difficult to repair. Although the cosmetics industry offers numerous firming creams that are supposed to cause the connective tissue to contract, those affected should not expect too much from this. More effective, however, is sport, which strengthens the muscles and at the same time stabilizes the connective tissue. Stretch marks also form after severe weight loss. The skin, which was previously stretched over fatty tissue, is now loose, shows light horizontal stripes and becomes wrinkled. In massive cases, apron formation occurs, which may be surgically removed. This must be decided on a case-by-case basis. Anyone planning to reduce weight should make sure that the loss takes place slowly. Especially the rapid loss of excess pounds causes unwanted stretch marks.A dark, vertical stripe running from the navel to the pubic bone forms in many women as a pigment spot during pregnancy (linea nigra). After birth, the narrow line recedes on its own. Red streaks running all around the abdomen that cause pain are a warning sign and should be looked at by a doctor immediately. It could be shingles.
Prevention
Those who have an inherited predisposition and thus a weakness of the subcutaneous connective tissue will hardly be able to prevent stretch marks. The only effective measure of prevention consists in avoiding the increase in the girth of the body from whatever cause. Any excessive storage of fat cells should be avoided, also through general measures such as exercise or healthy diet. Excessive abdominal muscle training is not suitable for prevention because, on the contrary, it actually promotes stripes on the abdomen due to the overuse of connective tissue. Pregnant women may be recommended to use nourishing oils in combination with gentle abdominal massages for prevention.
What you can do yourself
Stripes on the abdomen represent a purely cosmetic problem. The treatment is difficult, because mostly scar tissue has developed, which can not regress. Women in particular suffer from stripes on the abdomen. The only alternative to surgical removal is to strengthen and tighten the connective tissue. Usually, in addition to scarring, the surrounding tissue is also overstretched. Products based on vitamin A acid help here. These are available for external use in the form of ointments, creams or gel rollers and have proved promising in treatment. Preparations for oral administration are also available. These are intended to support the regression of scar tissue. Brush massages or massages of the abdominal region with the hands are also easy to perform. This involves circular movements with the brush or working with both hands in pushing movements, in opposite directions. Physiotherapists and osteopaths can also show other grips that activate and stimulate the deeper layers of the skin. Supplementary care oils can be used. It is important here that the metabolism is activated and the lymph fluid can flow. Tissue that is well supplied with blood becomes firmer and can promote the regression process. The only way to permanently tighten the loosened connective tissue and strengthen the muscles is to exercise. In addition, it is important to drink enough water and to pay attention to a vital substance-rich, healthy diet.
