STRETCH MARK
CAUSES & PREVENTION
What causes stretch marks?
Striae distensae affect skin that is subjected to continuous and progressive stretching; increased stress is placed on the connective tissue due to increased size of the various parts of the body. It occurs on the abdomen and the breasts of pregnant women, on the shoulders of body builders, in adolescents undergoing their growth spurt, and in individuals who are overweight.
It is this continuous stress on the connective tissues under the skin that causes damage of collagen and elastin fibers, subsequently leading to epidermal atrophy and the formation of the dermal scars. Prolonged use of oral or topical corticosteroids or Cushing syndrome (increased adrenal cortical activity) leads to the development of striae. Genetic factors could certainly play a role, although this is not fully understood.
Can you prevent the formation of stretch marks?
In some cases you can!
In early pregnancy, for example, using oils and creams in your abdomen and your breasts to maintain them hydrated and supple, you may be able to prevent the formation of these unwanted lesions.
It is clear that not every body-builder develops stretch marks probably because many of them take care of their skin while building their muscles. Nutrition is very important, but it is also very important to maintain the hydration and elasticity of the skin while the tissues underneath are undergoing fast growth. If the muscles are undergoing significant challenge, and growing at a fast rate, the skin and the connective tissues over them may not do so well if they are not hydrated and pliable. Now the skin, and connective tissues, are undergoing significant stress, and if they are dry and not well nourished, they will tear. There is not enough connective tissue in the form of collagen and elastin to accommodate for the changes. The tissues of the body usually tear when the stress is too great to compensate for the fast changes. And that is the crux. Because given enough time, the tissues will do everything possible to prevent or minimize injury. When time is very limited, there is not enough time for the tissues to compensate and the injury will show in proportion.
The message here is that if you are going to be pregnant, or if you decide to build your body up, take some time for your skin also. It will help to minimize, not only injuries, but also the stretch marks.
For people who have to have steroids on a daily basis as treatment for systemic diseases, there may not be compensatory ways to prevent stretch marks from forming, and they may have to be treated with lasers to help diminish the size and intensity of the stretch marks.
