Stretch marks

what are Stretch Marks?

The skin is made up of three layers: the first layer is the epidermis and this is the outermost layer, the second or the middle layer is called the dermis and the deepest layer is thesubcutaneous or hypodermis and this is the fatty layer. Stretch marks occur in the dermis when the connective tissue is stretched beyond the limits of its elasticity. The sudden stretching causes the dermis to tear which creates deeper skin layers to show through, forming the stretch marks.Stretch marks are more likely to develop and to appear more extreme where there are high levels of circulating cortisone, or where cortisone is used topically. Cortisol, the stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands is converted into cortisone, which weakens elastic fibres in the skin.
The skin structure of stretch marks is qualitatively and quantitatively different compared to healthy skin. The altered appearance of the skin reflects structural modifications in the dermis.

Pregnancy

Skin changes are common in pregnancy with stretch marks occurring in over 70% of pregnant women, usually after 25 weeks of gestation.Preliminary research in women undergoing a second Caesarian section has revealed that the greater the severity of stretch marks in pregnancy the more likely it is that intraperitoneal adhesions are present, which may complicate the second C-section or other abdominal surgery.
Hormones are produced during pregnancy that soften pelvic ligaments and increase their flexibility. Hormones also soften skin fibres, giving an increased risk of stretch marks. Stretch marks appear on the abdomen as the baby grows and sometimes occur in the skin covering the thighs and breasts.

Puberty

The body goes through rapid growth cycles during puberty which can cause the development of stretch marks. In males, stretch marks commonly arise on the shoulders and back, while females typically develop stretch marks on the hips, thighs and breasts.

Rapid Weight Gain

Stretch marks usually arise when a person rapidly gains weight, such as when bodybuilders and athletes dramatically increase muscle and body mass over a short period of time.

Medical Conditions

Medical conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome and Marfan syndrome can lead to the development of stretch marks. Marfan syndrome is a genetic condition that causes weakness and decreased elasticity in body tissues. Cushing’s syndrome can cause stretch marks as it isthe overproduction of cortisol, the stress hormone, which can lead to rapid weight gain, especially in the abdominal area, in addition to causing the skin to feel fragile, thin and more susceptible to bruises, scarring and infection. Cushing’s syndrome is three times more common in women than in men, but can be successfully treated in most cases. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a rare inherited condition that interferes with the development of structural proteins in the skin which can also cause stretch marks.

What Treatment Options are Available?

Tretinoin Rream (Retinoic Acid)

Studies have shown that the topical application of Tretinoin significantly improves the clinical appearance of early stretch marks.
Tretinoin helps to rebuild collagen, which makes stretch marks look more like “normal” skin.

Laser Therapies

Laser treatments can provide safe and effective reduction in the appearance of stretch marks. Laser therapies work by using specific wavelengths to stimulate growth of collagen, elastin or reduce the over-production of melanin in the skin.