disrupted normal collagen
conversations take you anywhere. be prepared.
tonight, stretch mark was one of the main topics -- specifically what causes it (Al has discovered she had one and couldn't fathom how it came about).
Skin does not bounce back if it's been stretched by rapid growth due to pregnancy, weight gain, or extreme weight loss. Instead, it becomes decorated by a form of scarring called stretch marks, or striae. Stretch marks often start off as reddish or purplish in color and then become glossy skin that appears streaked in silver or white.[--from medicinet.com]
Stretch marks develop in a variety of circumstances, including:
- Pregnancy. Most pregnant women develop stretch marks by the end of their pregnancy. The physical stretching of the skin, along with hormonal factors, likely play a role.
- Weight gain. Stretch marks sometimes occur during substantial weight gain. Weightlifters also can develop stretch marks, particularly on the arms. Adolescents may notice stretch marks during growth spurts.
- Medication use. Corticosteroid creams, lotions and pills and chronic steroid use can cause stretch marks.
- Conditions or diseases. Cushing's syndrome and adrenal gland diseases can cause widespread stretch marks as can Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and other hereditary (genetic) disorders.[ --mayoclinic.com]
There are several treatment options for stretch marks. The degree of success with any treatment will be impacted by your age, your skin tone and even your diet. Treatment options include:
- Diet and Exercise - drinks lots of water! adequate hydration keeps the skin supple and less likely to develop stretch marks. also, eat foods rich in zinc, vitamins A and C, and protein. Caffeine predisposes one to develop stretch marks, so make sure you balance the fluids by drinking as much (or more) water as.
- Lotions and creams - over-the-counter ointments are available which can be used at the onset of pregnancy or weight gain to prevent stretch marks.
- Surgery - from laser to chemical peels
a word of caution, although It's fine to research online about possible treatment for stretch marks (and other maladies for that matter), but it is still best to be in the care of a surgeon or dermatologist. He or she can determine which treatment approach is best for you.