What are the Causes of Stretch Marks

Stretch marks develop when the skin stretches to the breaking down point. The skin is similar to the elastic and losses its elasticity. The loss of collagen and elastin can lead to stretch marks, fine lines, wrinkles; loss of tone etc. this then gets reflected on the top most epidermis layer of the skin.

Pregnancy is generally accompanied with the development of stretch marks in females. This happens due to rapid growth in the body structure, change in hormones and other natural causes. In some cases severe stretch marks are caused by medicines like steroids. The skin gets layered, grooved and discolored. Apart from this weight gain or even growth spurts cause the skin to stretch. In obese kids and adolescent children it could be seen as growth spurt. Athletes and even body builders tend to develop these marks due to excessive exercises. The most common areas to be effected are the breasts, hips, thighs, abdomen, stomach etc.

Another reason of development of these marks is due to Cushing syndrome, which happens due to increase in the cortical activity. Approximately 90% of pregnant females develop these stretch marks.

One can treat the stretch marks with topical retinoid therapy, pulse dye laser therapy and chemical peels. One of the most common ways of treating the problem is by laser surgery, which is highly expensive. It may require 5-6 sessions. Even studies opine that the skin develops and improves in appearance after the 6 months of treatment. In laser surgery a narrow beam of light is transmitted to the skin surface, this is done to stimulate the skin to develop new tissue in the dermis. Today several new techniques have evolved to treat the skin condition.

In some cases chemical peels are used, it clears the several layers of damaged skin cells. The skin appears more fresh and even in surface. Retinoid are also used for topical treatment of skin surface. Micro derma abrasion is also another way of treating the skin and to remove the fine lines and freckled skin.