Reddish-blue to whitish stripes on the breasts usually originate from the nipple and are caused by fine tears in the lower layers of the skin, through which blood vessels become visible. These cracks are most often caused by too rapid expansion of the connective tissue and for this reason they are also called stretch marks. Stripes on the chest are mainly a cosmetic problem and can be removed by cosmetic procedures or medical intervention.
What are stripes on the breast?
Subcutaneous stripes on the breast are rarely straight, but usually originate from the nipple in a star shape. Tissue tears (medically: “striae cutis distensae”) occur primarily in areas of the body where there is a lot of connective tissue and little muscle mass. This is especially the case on the abdomen, buttocks, thighs and breasts. Although the connective tissue of the skin is elastic due to the collagen fibers, if the skin is stretched too quickly or if the connective tissue is weak, tears can form in the subcutaneous tissue. Since tissue tears often occur in the course of physical changes caused by pregnancy, they are also called “stretch marks” (medically: striae gravidarum). The subcutaneous striae on the breast run in a straight line in very few cases, but usually start from the nipple in a star shape. Depending on the age of the tissue tears and their stage of scarring, the stretch marks are red, purple, pink or white or skin-colored.
Causes
The development of tears in the subcutis (lower skin) and the associated visible stripes on the breast can have several causes. Often, this phenomenon occurs during pregnancy. Since during this period the body releases hormones that loosen the connective tissue, the subcutis is particularly susceptible to tissue tears during pregnancy. In addition, the breasts swell during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This additionally stretches the skin on the breasts and increases the risk of tissue tears. Also in girls at puberty, the growth of the breasts can damage the connective tissue if it has not been sufficiently strengthened from the beginning. In any case, the subcutaneous tissue is subjected to too much stress, which leads to tearing of the collagen fibers of the connective tissue.
Diseases with this symptom
- Weakness of connective tissue
- Obesity
- Stretch marks
Diagnosis and course
The tears in the connective tissue reveal the blood vessels hidden in the deeper layers of the skin, causing the streaks on the chest to appear reddish-bluish. Over time, the body repairs the damage in the connective tissue. However, this results in scars that are still visible on the surface of the skin as pale pink to white lines. Over the years, the stripes on the chest become paler and paler due to the natural regeneration of the skin and may even disappear completely without any additional treatment. Diagnosis of stretch marks on the breast can be done only by visual contact and without medical equipment. By palpating the stretch marks, confusion with visible lymphatic channels can be ruled out, as the latter would be clearly noticeable.
Complications
The skin can change due to various influences. On the breasts, the connective tissue is rather weak, especially in women. Prevention to stretch marks is therefore the be-all and end-all. However, if these stripes appear after pregnancy, weight gain or other physical changes, there are ways to reduce them. The stripes do not represent a medical emergency, they are therefore more of a cosmetic and thus also a personal problem for the patients: because if the skin is torn, it can regenerate again, but the stripes remain. There are different ways to make the stripes fade, contact persons for this are dermatologists, cosmeticians or homeopaths. However, the offered procedures and treatments only ensure that the skin becomes a little smoother in the best case and the formation of stripes on the breast is somewhat weakened. The stretch marks are basically nothing but small wounds under the skin. In rare cases, these sores can also become infected and cause a heavy, warm feeling or pain. In this case, seek immediate help from a specialist.With or without treatment, stretch marks can only fade and not be completely removed.
When should you go to the doctor?
Streaks on the chest are usually a cosmetic blemish that does not require treatment. However, sometimes the skin changes are based on a disease or disorder that should be medically clarified. If the stripes hurt or itch, a doctor should always be consulted. The same applies if the stripes appear suddenly and are accompanied by symptoms such as nausea or dizziness. The symptoms may be due to a hormonal imbalance, which should be corrected quickly to avoid further complications. As a general rule, streaks on the breast that appear suspicious are best discussed with a gynecologist. Most of the time, the skin changes are harmless, but in the case of serious underlying diseases such as sepsis or tumor disease, intervention should be taken as soon as possible. Streaks on the breast during pregnancy are due to overstretching of the skin. The gynecologist can recommend suitable therapy options such as physiotherapy or yoga, through which further spread of the stripes can usually be avoided.
Treatment and therapy
For many women and especially girls, the stripes on the breast represent an unloved blemish, but from a medical point of view they are completely harmless. Once tissue tears have occurred, they are irreparable, which means that the condition of the connective tissue before the tissue tear cannot be perfectly restored. However, there are several methods to conceal the stripes on the breast or accelerate their disappearance. Especially in young girls whose stretch marks appeared during puberty, the tissue tears are completely healed after several years and the fine scars are no longer visible. To accelerate the regeneration of the skin, it is recommended to support the collagen fibers with a diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Vitamins A and E in particular help the skin to quickly repair existing damage and promote the formation of new connective tissue. Massages with brushing and plucking stimulate blood circulation and better supply the skin with all substances important for regeneration. Alternating showers, whose rapid temperature changes accelerate the formation of new cells in the tissue, also help to stimulate blood circulation. Vitamins and minerals can be taken not only through the diet, but also administered artificially. This can be done either in the form of tablets or by applying and massaging in special oils and creams. The ingredients of some cosmetics have been specifically designed to treat stripes on the breast.
Outlook and prognosis
In most cases, the stripes on the chest represent only a harmless symptom and do not necessarily need to be treated by a doctor. They mainly represented a visual complaint and lead to decreased self-esteem in some women. The patients do not feel beautiful with the stripes on their breasts. However, these worries can be countered with a strong inner attitude. Usually, the body itself can fight against the stripes on the breast and repairs the damaged tissue. Often these stripes recede by themselves, although it may take several years for this regeneration to be completed. The stripes on the breast can be prevented or their appearance can be reduced. However, there is no need for medical treatment if the patients do not complain about the stripes. Only in rare cases, [[inflammation]s occur at the stripes on the breast. These can be relatively well limited and treated. The affected person only needs to see a doctor if the stripes on the breast appear suddenly. Generally, there are no complaints or complications.
Prevention
Adequate fluid intake and avoidance of fatty and sugary foods promote the elasticity of connective tissue and help prevent the stripes on the breast even during and after pregnancy. To keep the skin moisturized, it not only helps to drink plenty of fluids, but also to regularly apply moisturizer to the breast. To promote blood circulation, breast massages help, especially if they are done with jojoba or wheat germ oil.
You can do it yourself
Even though stripes on the breast do not pose a health risk, many women feel that their quality of life is limited by this cosmetic problem. Over time, the fine lines of this scar tissue fade, but will never disappear completely. In addition to medical therapies such as laser treatment, there are a number of things that can be done to help the body in the healing process. The focus is always on tightening and firming the connective tissue. Taking vitamin A acid preparations or external application with ointments, creams and gel rollers has proven to be promising. Vitamin E is another important nutrient for the skin. A diet rich in vital substances supports the skin’s regeneration process and promotes the formation of new cells. In addition, good blood circulation in the skin layers is important. With the help of massages – by hand and care oils or with a brush – and plucking techniques the blood circulation is stimulated. The use of alternating warm showers also promotes good blood circulation in the tissues. The connective tissue is sensitive to a lack of fluid. Therefore, care should be taken to drink a sufficient amount of fluids – plenty of still water – during the day. Greasy or very salty foods also have an unfavorable effect on the body’s water and mineral balance. In addition to the internal supply, creams with jojoba and wheat germ oil give the skin the needed moisture from the outside.