Stretch marks, also known as striae () or striae distensae,[
]
Signs and symptoms
Striae, or "stretch marks", begin as reddish or purple lesions which can appear anywhere on the body, but are most likely to appear in places where larger amounts of fat are stored- as such, they can be experienced by all genders. The most common places are the abdomen (especially near the navel), breasts, upper arms, underarms, back, thighs (both inner and outer), hips, and buttocks. Over time, they tend to atrophy and lose pigmentation. The affected areas appear empty, and are soft to the touch.
Stretch marks occur in the dermis, the resilient middle tissue layer that helps the Human skin retain its shape. No stretch marks will form as long as there is support within the dermis; stretching plays a role in where the marks occur and in what direction they run.
They can (but do not always) cause a burning and itching sensation, as well as emotional distress. They pose no inherent health risk on their own, and do not compromise the body's ability to function normally and repair itself. However, some people dislike the way stretch marks look.
Causes
Stretch marks appear to be caused by stretching of the skin. This is especially true when there is an increase in cortisone
Examples of cases where stretch marks are common include weight gain (in the form of fat and/or muscle), pregnancy, and adolescent , though it is also noted that some medications, as well as other medical conditions and diseases, may increase the likelihood of stretch marks appearing. Common medications that can contribute to stretch marks include "corticosteroid creams, lotions and pills and chronic use of oral or systemic ".
Asian people are more prone to stretch marks.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy stretch marks, also known as striae gravidarum, are a specific form of scarring of the skin of the abdominal area due to rapid expansion of the uterus as well as sudden weight gain during pregnancy. About 90% of pregnant women are affected.
A number of additional factors appear to promote the appearance of stretch marks: one study of 324 women, done just after they had given birth, demonstrated that low maternal age, high body mass index, weight gain over 15 kg (33 pounds) and higher neonatal birth weight were independently correlated with the occurrence of striae. Teenagers were found to be at the highest risk of developing severe striae.
These skin marks are symptoms of pregnancy caused by the tearing of the dermis, resulting in atrophy and loss of Rete pegs.
Mechanical distension and rapidly developing areas of the body during pregnancy (such as the abdomen, breasts, and thighs) are most commonly associated with striae formation. Some have suggested that relaxin and estrogen combined with higher levels of cortisol during pregnancy can cause an accumulation of mucopolysaccharides, which increases water absorption of connective tissue, making it prime for tearing under mechanical stress.
The prevalence and severity of striae gravidarum varies among populations. The current literature suggest that in the general population of the United States, there is a 50% to 90% prevalence of striae associated with pregnancy,
Prevention
Collagen and elastin are proteins in the skin that contribute to the skin's strength, resilience, flexibility, and help skin that has been stretched to recover its original state. Boosting the production of collagen and elastin helps prevent stretch marks from occurring.
Treatment
There are no clearly useful treatments for stretch marks, although there are many different suggestions on how to remove them or lessen their appearance.
Various efforts that have been tried including laser treatments, glycolic acid, and microdermabrasion.
Carboxytherapy is a known procedure; however, there is a lack of evidence to support how effective it is.
Research into a new skin grafting technique called "microcolumn grafting / micrografting", which uses needles to take autologous full-thickness Skin biopsy, is also being investigated as a potential treatment for stretch marks.
V-EMF therapy
History
Since ancient times, people have sought remedies to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. Both ancient ancient Greece and Ancient Rome used olive oil, while Ethiopians and Somalis used frankincense.
Striae were first recognized by Roederer in 1773, and were later histologically described by Troisier and Ménétrier in 1889.
Terminology
Medical terminology for these kinds of markings includes: striae atrophicae, vergetures, stria distensae, striae cutis distensae, lineae atrophicae, linea albicante, or simply striae.
== Gallery ==
