The problem of stretch marks (or stretch marks) is familiar to many women. It is this skin defect that 60% of the fair sex encounters after the birth of a child and the period of breastfeeding. The same changes in the skin can be caused by sudden weight loss (for example, when losing weight from 80 to 50 kg). However, stretch marks can be observed not only in women, but also in men, and this cosmetic defect upsets many people.
Skin stretch marks are usually observed in the chest, buttocks, abdomen and thighs. In essence, they are scar formations that were formed as a result of stretching and microtrauma of elastin and collagen fibers. In this article we will provide you with information about the causes, manifestations and methods of prevention and treatment of skin defects such as stretch marks.
Causes
Stretch marks can appear during pregnancy due to hormonal changes.
The main reason for the rupture of fibers, causing the formation of striae, is the lack of elasticity of the skin and its low ability to recover. Places of microtears begin to be filled with connective tissue, and unaesthetic stripes of varying degrees of severity and color appear on the surface of the skin.
The following factors can provoke insufficient elasticity of the skin and its low ability to recover, and hence the formation of stretch marks:
- hormonal imbalance in adolescence or during pregnancy and lactation;
- some pathologies of the endocrine system (for example, Cushing's syndrome);
- weight fluctuations;
- heredity;
- taking steroids and other hormonal drugs.
Sometimes the suspected cause of stretch marks can be determined by the nature of their location. Typically, horizontal striae are observed with hormonal imbalances, and vertical ones with rapid weight gain or fluctuations and after childbirth.
Stretch marks themselves are not dangerous and are only a cosmetic problem. However, one should not underestimate the danger of their appearance, since sometimes their formation is associated with a disruption of the endocrine system. That is why the appearance of stretch marks, which cannot be explained by overstretching of the skin or sudden fluctuations in weight, should always be a reason to consult an endocrinologist.
Do they pose a danger?
Stretch marks are not dangerous to human health; they are not able to cause physical harm to him. This is not a disease or even some kind of independent disease. Striae are a cosmetic defect that does not look aesthetically pleasing, and therefore causes a lot of problems and inconvenience for adult women and men, as well as teenagers.
The appearance of stretch marks can alert a person that something is wrong with their health. In particular, they are an excellent indicator of disruption of the endocrine system.
If a clear connection with the appearance of stretch marks and stretching of the skin is not visible, when there are no visible reasons for their formation, it is advisable to visit an endocrinologist and undergo an appropriate examination in order to identify the causes of the appearance of defects on the skin.
What do stretch marks look like?
The clinical picture of stretch marks largely depends on the structure of the skin, its ability to stretch and the state of hormonal levels. It is these indicators that will affect the severity of such skin defects.
Localization location
Typically, stretch marks appear in the chest, abdomen, buttocks and thighs. In more rare cases, such skin disorders can be localized on the face, neck, back and other parts of the body.
Color
The color of stretch marks can vary from white to dark purple. Its intensity largely depends on how long ago striae formed. “Fresh” stretch marks have various red-violet shades, and “later” ones gradually lighten.
The connective tissue, which essentially makes up striae, has a reduced ability to form melanin. That is why, when tanning, areas of skin with stretch marks tan less than the surrounding skin area and become much more noticeable. Only sometimes, with a certain skin phototype, tanning can make stretch marks less noticeable. But even in such cases, ultraviolet rays do not have a therapeutic effect, but only smooth out the existing cosmetic defect.
Dimensions and quantity
Stretch marks can be multiple or single; this indicator depends on the degree of stretching of the skin and the characteristics of its structure. Their sizes also vary widely and depend on the same indicators. The width of the striae can be from 1 to 6-7 mm, and the length - from 1 to 10 cm.
Relief
The relief of striae can be different. They can protrude above the surface of the skin, be retracted or flush with the skin. These figures may change over time.
Be careful about stretch marks on your body!
Ecology of health. The problem of timely diagnosis and effective treatment of Itsenko-Cushing's disease is still far from being resolved, but today medicine has already achieved certain successes in this area.
The problem of timely diagnosis and effective treatment of Itsenko-Cushing's disease is still far from being resolved, but today medicine has already achieved certain successes in this area. Despite the relatively low prevalence of this disease, the problem of hypercortisolism is considered relevant. This is due to certain difficulties in diagnosing it due to insufficient knowledge of general practitioners about this pathology. The disease has a poor prognosis in the absence of proper treatment.
Itsenko-Cushing's disease is a severe neuroendocrine disease accompanied by hyperfunction of the adrenal glands. Among the reasons why the disease manifests itself are brain injuries, tumors of internal organs, and in women it can begin to manifest itself after childbirth. In this case, hypersecretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone occurs, which affects the subcortical and stem structures of the brain.
Just over half a century ago, the 5-year survival rate of patients with Cushing's disease did not exceed 50%, and if the level of cortisol in the blood was normalized, it increased to 86%.
The problem is significantly aggravated by the fact that Cushing's disease may remain undiagnosed for a long time. The average time from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis is 6 years.
As a rule, the disease is detected after a change in the attending physician or during hospitalization for complications, and only a third of cases are diagnosed at the primary care stage. The reasons for this are both the low alertness of general practitioners and the insufficient level of knowledge about this pathology, as well as the partly nonspecific picture of the disease and the absence of pathognomonic symptoms.
Among the main signs of the disease, which the doctor must pay attention to, are the following:
- Obesity: Fat is deposited on the shoulders, abdomen, face, breasts and back. Despite the corpulence of the body, the patients' arms and legs are thin. The face becomes moon-shaped, round, and the cheeks are red.
- Pink-purple or purplish stripes (striae) on the skin.
- Excessive body hair growth (women grow mustaches and beards on their faces).
- In women - menstrual irregularities and infertility, in men - decreased sexual desire and potency.
In the treatment of Cushing's disease, special hopes are placed on new pharmacological agents, and the first drug approved for drug therapy was the somatostatin analogue pasireotide (Signifor).
Clinical case of successful drug treatment of Itsenko-Cushing's disease
Patient V., 39 years old, was admitted with the following complaints:
- the presence of stretch marks (striae) on the abdomen, arms and legs;
- hyperemia and vascular network on the face;
- blurred vision, lacrimation;
- fluctuations in blood pressure (BP) with palpitations, periodic increases in blood pressure up to 170-180/100-110 mmHg. Art.;
- frequent headaches;
- gradual weight loss against the background of excess body weight (from 106 to 95 kg);
- decrease in height by 6 cm;
- tendency to bruise with minimal trauma.
Anamnesis. The first symptoms were noted in 2010 after suffering severe psycho-emotional stress, when signs of depression, stretch marks on the abdomen, arms, legs, and increased blood pressure appeared. In January 2011, he was examined and treated at the Lviv Regional Phthisiopulmonology Center for tuberculosis. From 2010 to 2012, he was examined and treated at the Lviv Regional Cardiology Center for arterial hypertension.
Diagnostics
Laboratory indicators for 2012:
- blood cortisol level – 630.47 ng/ml (normal 50-250);
- ACTH – 127 pg/ml (normal 7-69);
- HbA1c – 7.3%.
Laboratory indicators for 2013 are as follows:
- blood cortisol level – 1009 ng/ml (normal 170-720);
- ACTH – 117 pg/ml (normal 7-69);
- HbA1c – 11.6%.
- Computed tomography of the abdominal organs and retroperitoneal space: the adrenal glands are evenly increased in size, the contours are clear and even; the structure is not changed, does not contain calcifications;
- lipomatosis of the abdominal cavity, retroperitoneal lymph nodes are not enlarged;
- severe osteoporosis, multiple consolidated rib fractures.
Computed tomography of the head: the dimensions of the sella turcica are not changed, there are no visible space-occupying formations in the projection of the pituitary gland, the height of the pituitary gland is up to 8 mm, width is 11.5 mm, anteroposterior size is 5.6 mm, the pituitary tissue is homogeneous, there are no destructive changes in the back of the sella turcica revealed.
MRI of the pituitary gland: the pituitary gland has a normal shape and signal intensity; the sella turcica is not changed; optic chiasm without features; the cavernous sinus and the visible part of the internal carotid artery are unremarkable.
Treatment performed:
- since 2012, he took bromocriptine at a dose of 0.01 g/day;
- therapy for diabetes mellitus – metformin from 1.7 to 2 g/day, since 2013 – insulin therapy in combination with metformin 2 g/day;
- treatment of osteoporosis – a combination of calcium with vitamin D3;
- Hypertension therapy – ACE inhibitors.
At the time of contact, the following indicators were noted:
- 24-hour urine cortisol level (at normal 28.5-213.7 mcg/24 hours) – 8765.0 mcg/24 hours;
- blood cortisol level (at normal 50-250 ng/ml) – 639.52 ng/ml;
- HbA1c – 9.1%;
- Blood pressure – up to 180/110 mm Hg. Art.;
- body weight – 92 kg.
The patient was prescribed the drug signifor at a dose of 600 mg 2 times a day. After 2 months of therapy, the following changes were noted:
- 24-hour urine cortisol level (normal 28.5-213.7 mcg/24 hours) – 1155.6 mcg/24 hours;
- blood cortisol level (at normal 50-250 ng/ml) – 259 ng/ml;
- HbA1c – 8.5%;
- blood pressure – not higher than 145/95 mm Hg. Art.;
- body weight – 86 kg.
Thus, signifor provided not only a pronounced decrease in the level of cortisol in the blood and urine, but also a significant decrease in the severity of symptoms of the disease already in the first 2 months of therapy. published
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Striae with Cushing's syndrome
Striae with endocrine pathology such as Cushing's syndrome have a characteristic appearance:
- the skin becomes thinner;
- the vascular pattern of the skin becomes more pronounced;
- areas of peeling appear on the surface of the skin;
- stretch marks are localized in the abdomen, shoulders or mammary glands;
- rashes appear on the skin (subcutaneous hematomas, acne).
In addition to stretch marks, hyperpigmentation may be observed on the patient’s skin. Melasma at this stage of Cushing's syndrome is especially pronounced. The patient also has moderate obesity and a redistribution of subcutaneous fat characteristic of this syndrome.
To treat stretch marks in Cushing's syndrome, in addition to the methods used to eliminate stretch marks, the patient is recommended to undergo a course of therapy for the underlying pathology. The treatment plan may include the following medications and treatments:
- steroidogenesis inhibitors: Chloditan, Aminoglutethimide;
- removal of pituitary cortitropinoma (performed when the tumor is clearly visualized on MRI images);
- adrenectomy (surgery on the adrenal gland), performed by a surgeon using a scalpel, after confirming the indications for removal of the organ.
Diagnostics
Diagnosing stretch marks is never difficult.
To do this, you need to consult a doctor, dermatologist or cosmetologist who will examine your skin. If the presence of diseases of the endocrine system is suspected, the patient may be advised to consult an endocrinologist for diagnosis and treatment of the underlying pathology. To determine the age of stretch marks, the doctor compares the following indicators: the presence of dilated vessels and fibrous tissue in the area of stretch marks. With “fresh” changes in the skin, a large number of changed vessels are observed, and as the striae “aging”, the number of vessels becomes smaller, and the amount of scar tissue increases.
The main factors in the formation of stretch marks on the skin
It’s not just hormones or diets that are to blame for the appearance of stretch marks. The most susceptible to developing stretch marks on the skin are:
- people whose close relatives have striae. If a grandmother or mother has stretch marks, then the daughter or granddaughter may have a hereditary predisposition to the formation of stretch marks
- residents of the northern regions. Most “northerners” have thinner, paler skin than residents of southern countries. Therefore, such skin is more susceptible to stretch marks.
- girls aged 15-18 years. During this period of intense growth and puberty, the skin may not have time to stretch. Often, the breasts are the first to develop stretch marks: the skin on them is delicate and thin, and during the period of active growth of the mammary glands, stretch marks can appear literally within a day
- pregnant women. In addition to their breasts, stretch marks can form in places where the skin is most stretched - on the stomach and thighs
- athletes and bodybuilders. Both a sharp increase in muscle mass and the cessation of intense training lead to the formation of stretch marks.
- losing weight or dieting. When fighting excess weight, it is important, as nutritionists advise, to lose no more than 2% of the initial body weight per month, otherwise the risk of stretch marks is very high
- people with diseases of the endocrine system. If you do not belong to one of the above groups, and stretch marks begin to appear on your body, then do not delay your visit to the endocrinologist.
Treatment
Treatment of stretch marks is carried out in cases where they represent a significant aesthetic defect and cause anxiety to their owner. In other cases, correction of such skin changes is not required.
It is important to understand that treatment of striae should begin as early as possible, since the effectiveness of therapy largely depends on this moment. Stretch marks that formed more than 1 year ago are less susceptible to successful treatment, since scar changes have already fully formed in them. In such cases, the cosmetic defect can only be partially eliminated, but thanks to modern techniques, such stretch marks can be made almost invisible.
Treatment of stretch marks is always a complex and lengthy process. To eliminate them, various techniques and their combinations can be used:
- chemical peeling - performed using acids that burn the altered epidermis and create favorable conditions for the production of natural collagen;
- laser peeling - performed using laser beams that “burn out” the changed tissues and stimulate the growth of new healthy cells;
- mesotherapy - is performed by introducing special preparations (enzymes, stimulators of collagen production, vitamins, microelements, etc.) into the changed areas of the skin, which have a beneficial effect on the process of skin renewal and bring its structure closer to the structure of healthy skin;
- microdermabrasion - performed using special equipment that provides mechanical resurfacing of the skin and the growth of new healthy tissue;
- LPG massage - performed using a special device that performs a vacuum massage of the skin, stimulating the production of natural elastin and collagen, ensuring the normalization of metabolism and blood circulation in the massaged area;
- RF lifting – is performed using a special device that exerts a radio frequency electromagnetic effect on the skin and heats its deep layers to 40-42°C, this procedure helps to activate regenerative processes in the affected areas of the skin;
- therapeutic wraps - performed by applying active substances (for example, spirulina algae) to the skin, which activate collagen production and increase skin tone; can be used to treat “fresh” and slightly pronounced stretch marks.
Sometimes radical plastic surgery is performed to eliminate severe stretch marks that are difficult to treat with minimally invasive treatment. For example, if there is excess skin and stretch marks on the abdominal wall, abdominoplasty is recommended. During this operation, excess skin is removed along with stretch marks.
It should be noted that most specialists resort to radical removal of stretch marks only in extreme cases. This is explained by the fact that any surgical operation is always associated with significant risks: purulent complications, blood loss, scar formation, etc.
The use of widely advertised cosmetics (creams, ointments, gels, masks, etc.) to eliminate stretch marks is in most cases ineffective. Such local remedies cannot eliminate scar tissue in the deep layers of the skin and only sometimes contribute to a more rapid “maturation” of scar changes and some discoloration of stretch marks. That is why most cosmetologists recommend using them not to get rid of stretch marks, but to prevent them.
How to remove red stretch marks
Getting rid of a defect on the epithelium is quite difficult. A long-term integrated approach is required, but the problem can still be solved. An experienced doctor who has already encountered similar problems in people can answer the question of how to quickly remove red stretch marks on the skin of the abdomen.
The only way to completely remove stretched skin is through surgery. But stretch marks can be reduced or made invisible with the help of special cosmetic procedures.
Peeling
- Chemical peeling.
This is a "stressful" method. Thanks to the method, the top layer of damaged tissue is removed, the body receives blood flow and produces collagen, a substance that affects the elasticity of the skin, with redoubled force.
- Laser peeling.
The same principle of operation as the chemical one, only with the use of newer and more advanced computer equipment. In addition, this method is considered expensive and can sometimes be done under local anesthesia.
We recommend reading
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- Removing old stretch marks from the abdomen
Surgery
Judging by the photos and reviews on the Internet, surgery is the most effective way to combat stretch marks, because it affects the cause of their formation. Other methods temporarily hide skin defects if used regularly.
The most popular surgical procedures for removing stretch marks are:
- Micro-grinding using aluminum oxide. Removes thin layers of skin, which improves blood circulation and elasticity. The procedure does not cause discomfort. After 10 sessions, red stretch marks on the stomach are removed.
- Mesotherapy. It consists of administering injections that stimulate the firmness and elasticity of the skin. The course of therapy lasts 2-3 months, depending on the age of the stretch marks. The downside is that the procedure is quite expensive.
Wrap
Home wraps have the following benefits:
- low cost of ingredients;
- efficiency;
- the ability to combine various products and medications without following strict instructions.
Recipes to help smooth out scars on the skin of the abdomen:
- Mix 60 ml of olive or almond oil with drops of lemon and lavender. Rub the resulting mixture into the problem area, and then wrap with cling film.
- Buy 2 packs of vitamins E and B12 in ampoules at the pharmacy. Mix them with aloe juice and olive oil. You can wash the mixture off your body after 30 minutes. After this, it is advisable to take a contrast shower.
- Brew chamomile and let the boiling water cool. Add a glass of milk to the liquid. Soak a cotton pad in the mixture and apply vigorously to the scar skin. Wrap a scarf or cling film on top. After 20 minutes, remove and anoint the problem area with a rich cream.
Physiotherapy
These procedures are actively used in cosmetology and are very effective. Physiotherapy includes:
- Galvanization.
The procedure involves cleansing the skin using low-frequency current.
- Microcurrent therapy.
The principle of operation is the same as in the previous one. After a course of 10-15 sessions, wrinkles, stretch marks and scars are smoothed out. The procedure is safe and painless.
- Ultrasound therapy.
Increases the temperature in cells, which causes the production of collagen and elastin. As a result, stretch marks and orange peel dissolve.
- Ultraviolet exposure.
Due to radiation, blood circulation in the body increases and red stretch marks on the hips and sides are quickly smoothed out.
Massage
Used as part of the complex treatment of stretch marks. The method can be very effective, but only if the massage is done regularly. You can do it yourself or in a salon, which is safer.
Experts offer a wide selection of types of massage treatments applicable to get rid of stretch marks:
- classic (regular using special oils to moisturize the dermis or medicinal ointments and other things);
- honey (a large amount of honey and propolis is used, from which the gruel is made);
- aroma massage (massage therapists often use essential, very fragrant and effective aromatic oils, which contain a lot of vitamin products);
- “Gracia” (this type is characterized by the fact that it relieves stress, that is, in medical terminology it is called “neurosensory” or “anti-stress”);
- vacuum and jar (special warm steamed glass jars heated in a fire are placed on the back or other parts of the body);
- others (maybe Thai).
Have you decided to start a massage yourself? Cleanse your skin with a scrub, rub thoroughly with a towel until red and proceed. When self-massaging, use essential oils that have the ability to improve blood circulation, moisturize, restore elasticity, and promote regeneration.
Oils of geranium, mountain orange, clove, rosemary, rose, and mint are good. You can mix with olive, sesame oil, as well as avocado, flax and almond extract.
Baths
Baths with the addition of special ingredients help smooth out scars, tone muscles, calm nerves and give a boost of energy. But their main task is to get rid of red, white and blue stretch marks.
To eliminate stretch marks, add products such as almond oil, sea and table salt and mint to your baths. Problem areas should be rubbed well with a washcloth. After the procedure, you need to apply a moisturizer.
Homemade masks
Shilajit has a well-known effectiveness. The component contains amino acids, tannins, various resins, vitamins (group B is widely represented), trace elements (potassium, magnesium, chromium, manganese, selenium) and much more.
Mumiyo is sold in pharmacies in the form of tablets and ampoules; the substance dissolves well in water. You need to dissolve it in water so that you get a paste, it’s good to use warm liquid. It is more pleasant to the body, and the ingredient dissolves better in warm water.
The resulting paste should be applied to the skin, wrapped in film, something very warm should be put on top, preferably in several layers, and left for half an hour. Rinse off with warm water, then apply moisturizing baby cream.
Folk recipes for striae
In some cases, with mild stretch marks, you can use various folk recipes. They can help make such cosmetic defects less noticeable.
Cream with mumiyo
Dissolve one gram of mumiyo in a teaspoon of slightly warm boiled water and mix the resulting solution with a tablespoon of baby cream. Apply the product to the area of stretch marks twice a day.
The same cream can also be used to prevent stretch marks.
Olive oil with aloe and vitamins
- ½ cup olive oil;
- ½ glass of aloe juice;
- 10 drops of vitamin E;
- 5 drops of vitamin A.
Store the resulting product in the refrigerator. Warm up before applying. Apply with massaging movements.
This product is best used immediately after peeling or scrub.
Massage oil based on fatty and essential oils
Mix 20 ml each of wheat germ, almond and jojoba oils. Add petitgrain or neroli essential oil (3-4 drops) to the base fatty oils. Apply the resulting mixture to the skin and massage areas with stretch marks.
This massage oil can also be used to prevent stretch marks.
Peels for stretch marks
The following compositions can be used as peelings for stretch marks:
- 150 ml of natural yoghurt, zest of one lemon and a tablespoon of almond oil: apply to the area of stretch marks for 20 minutes, massage the skin before rinsing, apply 2 times a week;
- a tablespoon of wheat germ oil, gruel from 1 avocado, 2 tablespoons each of oatmeal and blue clay: apply to the area of stretch marks for 20 minutes, massage the skin before rinsing, apply 2 times a week;
- 200 ml of red palm oil, a glass of salt, a glass of sugar: apply to the skin and massage for 10-15 minutes, use daily.
After carrying out the above procedures, you need to apply a special milk for stretch marks to the skin. It can be prepared this way: mix 150 ml of regular cosmetic milk with 10 ml of petitgrain or rosemary essential oil. This product must be shaken before application.
Prevention
To prevent stretch marks, you must follow these rules:
- Drink enough water (about 2 liters per day).
- Organize a balanced diet with sufficient vitamins and minerals. Additional intake of fish oil, vitamins A and E, omega-3.
- Carry out additional skin care using cosmetics with vitamins A, C and E, hyaluronic acid, aloe extract, chitosan and natural oils.
- Take a contrast shower, after which apply skin care products.
- Conduct courses in vacuum massage, wraps with algae and healing mud.
Regular adherence to such simple recommendations will significantly reduce the risk of stretch marks during pregnancy, breastfeeding and significant weight fluctuations.
If stretch marks do appear, then do not put off visiting a cosmetologist: treatment of recently appeared stretch marks is more effective and guarantees an excellent aesthetic result.
Remember this, and your skin will always be beautiful and well-groomed.
Video: Tools
The essence of the procedure:
alternately passing the laser onto each ball of scar tissue. After discharge, swelling and redness of the affected areas are possible. It is also advisable not to sunbathe for about 3 months.
Naturally, plastic surgery remains the most effective remedy. This procedure is prescribed to patients who have not only stretch marks, but also accumulations of fat or excess skin in this area. But the cost of this method is not cheap and not everyone can afford it.
Microdermabrasion is micro-resurfacing of the thin, upper layers of skin using aluminum oxide. By removing several layers, skin blood circulation improves and enhances tissue regeneration. The method is painful, but with red, fresh stretch marks the pain is tolerable.
Treatment of red stretch marks on the abdomen during and after pregnancy has its own characteristics.
The choice of procedures for a nursing mother should be selected only by a doctor, because many chemicals can harm the baby.
With sudden weight loss, removing red stretch marks on the stomach is more problematic than in other parts of the body. Subcutaneous fat is rough and may respond poorly to treatment. Therefore, it is advisable to combine several treatment methods and proper nutrition.
Procedures performed in cosmetology centers
Seaweed wrap – thalassotherapy.
You can use spirulina algae, the effect of which occurs after 10 procedures.
Its ability to influence skin tone and supply it with various microelements and vitamins gives very good results. Fresh, red stretch marks may completely disappear after such a wrap, and the skin will become elastic and textured.
Vacuum massage is very effective for stretch marks.
This method allows you to quickly and painlessly fight fat deposits and helps remove unnecessary substances from tissues.
