Stretch marks are often the result of the rapid stretching of the skin associated with rapid growth (common in puberty) or weight gain (e.g. pregnancy or muscle building) that overcomes the dermis's elasticity.
Although stretch marks are generally associated with pregnancy and obesity, they can also develop during rapid muscle growth. Medical terminology for these kinds of markings includes striae atrophicae, vergetures, stria distensae, striae cutis distensae, striae gravidarum (in cases where it is caused by pregnancy), lineae atrophicae, striae distensae, linea albicante, or simply striae.
They first appear as reddish or purple lines, but tend to gradually fade to a lighter color. The affected areas appear empty and are soft to the touch.
They pose no health risk in and of themselves, and do not compromise the body's ability to function normally and repair itself.
Most common places are the abdomen (especially near the belly-button, breasts, upper arms, underarms, thighs (both inner and outer), hips, and buttocks. They pose no health risk in and of themselves, and do not compromise the body's ability to function normally and repair itself.
Various treatments are available for the purpose of improving the appearance of existing stretch marks, including laser treatments, dermabrasion, and prescription retinoids. Some cream manufacturers claim the best results are achieved on recent stretch marks; however, few studies exist to support these claims.
In addition, the use of a pulsed dye laser was shown to increase pigmentation in darker skinned individuals with repeated treatments. Striation usage is the best natural way out.
A surgical procedure for removing lower abdominal stretch marks is the tummy tuck, which removes the skin below the navel where stretch marks frequently occur.
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