Information about causes of stretch marks, various
treatments including surgical treatment for stretch marks and a diet
guide to prevent them.
When a person gains weight suddenly, the skin expands
to accommodate the increase in body weight. Skin is elastic and can be
stretched to a certain limit. Once the limit is crossed the innermost
layer of the skin tears as it can stretch no more. As the underlying
layer tears and the ones above are intact, the skin appears to be
streaked. As soon as the skin tears, pink or purple lines appear as the
capillaries burst. After some time these lines look slivery white. These
are called stretch marks, which are in fact scars that are a result of
skin tearing. Stretch marks occur in the dermis, which is the middle
layer of the skin and is elastic and hence allows the skin to retain its
shape. When repeatedly stretched the dermis breaks causing stretch
marks. Women and men can have stretch marks on their thighs, abdomen,
hips, breasts and upper arms. Once stretch marks appear they are
permanent and difficult to get rid of.
As stretch marks are permanent they cannot be removed. Products that
claim that their use can either prevent or remove stretch marks are
misleading. The only thing possible is to reduce their visibility. Here
are a few ways that visibility of stretch marks can be reduced:
Eat nutritious food and maintain a healthy diet to
keep your skin young and healthy and prevent stretch marks.