A lot of women, as well as men dread about Striae (stretch marks). Stretch marks are the unsightly thin, narrow grooves or channels, lines or bands of an off-color hue in the skin. The bands are usually parallel to each other or close together. Also known as striae, a form of skin scarring. Most health care provider call stretch marks as striae atrophicae, vergetures, stria distensae, striae cutis distensae, striae graviadrum (caused by pregnancy), linea atrophicae, or linea albicante.
Striae Atrophicae Causes - What Contributes To Its Formation?
The primary culprit for the development of Striae (stretch marks) is the tear in the dermis that is brought about rapid growth during adolescence stage and a sudden gain of weight during pregnancy or muscle building. Changes in hormonal levels are also linked to the formation of these ugly marks. The glucocorticoid hormones prevent the fibroblasts from forming collagen and elastin fibers necessary to keep rapidly increasing skin taut. Absence of these supportive material leads to dermal and epidermal tearing and eventually Striae (stretch marks). Old factors that affect skin's capacity to resist stretching forces includes genetics, diet and exercise.
Striae Atrophicae - Signs and Symptoms
These distressing marks initially appear as reddish or purple line that tend to fade as a result to sudden stretching. They can be seen anywhere in the body, though it may be prevalent in areas where there are large fat deposits. That includes abdomen, breasts, upper arms, underarms, back, thighs, hips, and buttocks. Aside from aesthetic malfunction, Striae (stretch marks) do not pose any health risk and do not compromise the body's ability to function normally.
Solution to Striae (Stretch Marks)
For anyone who still has no Striae (stretch marks), avoiding sudden stretch of the skin will prevent one from developing it. Proper diet and exercise would be of help.
According to skin experts, regular application of lotions and creams containing vitamin A,E and collagen can greatly benefit the skin. Vitamins A and E are essential components in skin maintenance. They help the body regulate and speed up the growth of new skin cells therefore reduce the appearance of Striae (stretch marks). Moreover, massaging the skin improves capillary circulation and promotes new tissue growth. However this will not guarantee a 100 percent protection. Yes, these habits can help. On the other hand, take note that there are factors that are not modifiable like genetics.
Reference: EzineArticles.com
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