Mostly in women, but also in men, stretch marks can appear on the thighs in the course of life. These are small tears of the connective tissue. The causes can be different. There are treatment and prevention options. Stretch marks on the thighs occur frequently. Women in particular are unpleasantly affected by the visual change. Treatment options exist through a change in diet, exercise and cosmetic measures.
What are stripes on the thighs?
Due to a strong stretching of the subcutaneous tissue, the tension in the connective tissue of the dermis becomes so strong that small cracks form to compensate, which also cause itching. The stretch marks are also called tissue tears or stretch marks. The medical term for them is striae cutis distensae: overstretched skin striae. The colloquial name stretch marks only partially describes the phenomenon, as there are several reasons for the appearance of the stripes. In this case, a reaction of the connective tissue to an overload occurs. Due to a strong stretching of the subcutaneous tissue, the tension in the connective tissue of the dermis becomes so strong that small tears form to compensate, which also cause itching. The initial bluish-red discoloration fades with time. The unpleasant tissue tears also appear on the thighs. Particularly in women, this has the effect of trying to conceal this unsightly appearance. In the search for suitable measures to remedy the situation, specialist medical advice is often sought.
Causes
Several causes come into consideration as triggers for stretch marks. The popularly used term stretch marks indexes pregnancy as the reason for the skin changes. Due to the typical hormonal influences in the context of pregnancy, the unloved stripes appear. In addition to the hormonally caused loosening of the connective tissue, significant tensions in the skin become noticeable due to the changes in the thigh circumference. The connective tissue in women is weaker than in men anyway. Rapid weight gain can also occur for other reasons and cause stretch marks. Growth spurts during puberty can also cause tissue fibers to tear. In addition, these skin reactions result from a permanently incorrect diet combined with a noticeable increase in body weight. The blood circulation also influences the tension-balancing flexibility of the connective tissue. Hereditary factors can cause restrictions in the functionality of the conjunctiva. In addition, a disease of the connective tissue is also possible as a cause. Pleasure toxins such as alcohol or tobacco also cause a decrease in skin elasticity over a longer period of time.
Diseases with this symptom
- Weakness of connective tissue
- Obesity
- Stretch marks
Diagnosis and course
Diagnosis to detect stretch marks is usually simple and does not take long. Own observation of the fiber cracks and striping is already sufficient for the detection of the widespread problem. If necessary, depending on the body part, a mirror must also be used. However, a specialist diagnosis makes sense in cases where a disease of the skin could be the cause. A small tissue sample can already provide information if a disease is suspected. Indications of a possible skin disease could be a strong, persistent itching or additional skin reactions such as oozing. A blood test in the course of a diagnosis could provide information as to whether stimulants or the intake of medication play a role. This would be of importance for a targeted treatment measure. A specialist diagnosis is generally suggested when the individual cause of the tissue cracking is not obvious.
Complications
The stripes are usually not a medical problem, it is much more of a personal problem as it bothers the affected individuals personally. Often women are affected by the tissue tears and are ashamed of their appearance, in this respect the stripes can have an impact on mental health. Physically, the fine stripes are nothing more than small wounds under the skin. These wounds can become infected in rare cases.If this happens, a dermatologist can help. Even with cosmetic treatment, for example with special creams or blood circulation-promoting massages, an improvement is not self-evident. Surgical interventions are generally not recommended, as the stripes do not represent a medical emergency. This should only be done if the stripes accumulate in one place without a strong weight gain or cause pain or heavy legs. A poor diet can also lead to the formation of stripes on the thighs. In this case, a change in diet, combined with targeted exercise, can help the stripes fade. Whether with or without cosmetic treatment- the stripes will not disappear completely, because they are under the skin.
When should you go to the doctor?
Stripes on the thighs are not, at first sight, symptoms that require urgent medical treatment. They are a purely external and harmless appearance on the skin. However, in some cases, medical treatment is mandatory. Under certain circumstances, the stripes on the thighs can develop into small cracks that do not grow together on their own. Such a clinical picture must not be left without treatment under any circumstances, as otherwise serious complications can arise. Whoever forgoes treatment by an appropriate physician at this point is taking a great risk. It is not uncommon for the small cracks to develop into what are known as fissures. Chapped skin is defined as deep cracks in the skin that can no longer grow together on their own. These cracks offer ideal conditions for bacteria and viruses to multiply, so that an inflammation can develop very quickly. At the latest then a visit to the doctor is inevitable. However, if you see a doctor at an early stage, you can easily avoid this complication. Thus, stripes on the thighs do not have to be treated by a doctor at all. However, if small cracks are visible in the skin, the visit to the doctor should not be put on the back burner.
Treatment and therapy
Therapeutic treatment of stretch marks is possible. It is usually not a disease, but the effects can be psychological in nature. In this respect, women in particular counter the problem through cosmetic measures. A special cream to promote blood circulation and elasticity of the skin is helpful. Quick concealment of the stripes is possible by means of a tanning cream and a visit to a solarium. If the tissue cracks are too disturbing, laser treatment can even be performed. Conceivable surgical measures and chemical peeling are the absolute exceptions. If weight gain not caused by pregnancy is the obvious cause, a review of dietary practices should be performed. An improper diet must be replaced by a balanced diet. Advantageous for a necessary reduction of body weight is in any case also a more intensive exercise. Targeted sporting exercises can significantly improve blood circulation in the problem zone area. Those who want to strengthen the thigh muscles should also pay attention to the protein content of their diet. Endurance sports to stimulate the metabolism and optimize fat burning is an effective support for the entire body. Increased blood circulation can also be achieved through massages or alternating showers.
Outlook and prognosis
Stripes on the thighs are most often caused by overstretching of the skin. It usually affects people who suffer from very dry and brittle skin. If stripes appear on the thighs, then there is no need to see a doctor. It is only a visual appearance that does not cause any pain or discomfort. Therefore, a visit to the doctor is not necessary. In some cases, the stripes can develop into small cracks, which can become a fissure. The term “fissure” is used when a deep crack in the skin cannot grow back together on its own. Under certain circumstances, this can even lead to inflammation if bacteria and other pathogens accumulate in the crack. For this reason, an appropriate doctor should be consulted at the first sign of inflammation. Only with the right medication can such an inflammation be effectively and quickly combated.In general, stripes on the thighs do not require a visit to the doctor. Only if small cracks form in the skin, an appropriate doctor should be consulted very early. With the help of suitable creams and ointments, a chapped skin can be counteracted very well.
Prevention
Prevention against the development of stretch marks is oriented to the possible causes. Related to the risk factor of a rapid, significant increase in body weight, a balanced diet is an effective measure. A constant weight without rapid gaining or losing weight is optimal. Extensive body care with brush massages, alternating showers, oils and creams can effectively increase blood circulation and elasticity of the skin. Sufficient intake of vitamins and minerals is also important for maintaining a healthy skin structure. Sports activity is highly recommended as a preventive measure to protect the functioning of the skin. Stimulation of metabolism with effects on fat burning and elimination of toxins promotes resistance and flexibility of the skin in the complete body area. The consumption of alcohol or tobacco should be kept to a minimum as a possible cause. If the intake of certain medications should be the reason for the skin problem, advice on an alternative could help.
This is what you can do yourself
Often stretch marks on the thighs are the result of pregnancy or obesity. If you suffer from weak connective tissue, once stretch marks appear, it is difficult to change them back. Massages and sports can nevertheless have some effect. Intensive weight training, however, is counterproductive and can even increase the size of the stripes. Moderate muscle building training that tightens the abdomen, legs, buttocks, upper arms and chest makes sense. These are the most affected areas of the body in women. From a medical point of view, stretch marks are small scars. Externally, therefore, only limited action can be taken on the skin’s appearance. Covering creams are less suitable for the thighs than for the breasts. Effective help comes from cold-hot alternating showers, treading water according to Kneipp and cold casts. These must be applied regularly. Affected persons need patience, because success is only visible after weeks. Daily massages with a massage sponge, which activate blood circulation and metabolism, are also useful. In this way, waste products are transported out of the cells more quickly and cell regeneration is stimulated. The new cells automatically ensure firmer connective and subcutaneous tissue. A skin treatment in which the scars are abraded may be considered. In severe cases, laser therapy is advisable. However, those affected should clarify this with their dermatologist. Those who exercise from an early age can protect themselves well against stretch marks in adulthood. During pregnancy, care products can prevent.
