Stretch marks also known as striae distensae or striae gravidarum are scars that develop when the skin stretches or shrinks swiftly. The sudden change causes the collagen and elastin, which support our skin, to rupture.
As the skin heals, stretch marks may appear. They may be red, purple, or silver in appearance and most often appear on the stomach, chest, hips, bottom, or thighs. It appears alike to changes seen in the surface of balloons that have been puffed.
There is some controversy over the precise mechanism by which stretch marks occur. There seems to be damage to the deeper layer of the skin accompanied by inflammation which eventually results in atrophic scar-like changes.
Excessive physical stretching of the skin seems to induce these changes.
Common causes of skin stretching include:
Puberty: Accelerated growth is typical in young people going through puberty.
Rapid weight gain: Putting on a lot of weight in a short time can cause it
Prolonged use of corticosteroid creams and lotions can decrease levels of collagen in the skin. Collagen strengthens and supports the skin, and a reduced amount can increase the risk of stretch marks.
Pregnancy: About 50%- 90% of women who are pregnant experience stretch marks during or after birth.…Keep reading the full & the viral video now.
