Stretch marks
Stretch marks, also known as striae, are a type of scar that occurs when the skin experiences excessive stretching, often due to factors such as pregnancy, rapid weight gain, growth spurts during puberty, or intensive weightlifting. They primarily develop in the dermis, the skin's middle layer, where collagen provides elasticity. Initially, stretch marks may appear pink and can be slightly painful, but they eventually fade to a whitish hue and become painless over time. Common locations for stretch marks include the hips, thighs, abdomen, buttocks, and chest.
While many people seek treatment to improve their appearance, such options exist. Topical tretinoin, for instance, can help by promoting collagen and elastic fiber production, particularly when applied during the early stages of development. Additionally, pulsed dye laser therapy may enhance the appearance of stretch marks by stimulating skin regeneration. Despite available treatments, many individuals view their stretch marks as a natural part of life, with some celebrating them as symbols of motherhood or personal growth.
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Subject Terms
Stretch marks
Also known as: Striae
Anatomy or system affected: Skin
Definition: A whitish line or lesion on the skin caused by excessive stretching or tension on the skin
Causes and Symptoms
Stretch marks are a type of scar that forms when there is excessive stretching or tension on the skin. This excessive tension can be a result of pregnancy, obesity, growth spurts during puberty, or lifting weights. Stretch marks develop in the skin’s middle layer, which is called the dermis. The dermis is an elastic layer consisting of collagen that allows the skin to snap back into shape. When this region is stretched over a long period of time (for example, during pregnancy), the elasticity begins to weaken. Natural processes for the skin’s reinforcement cause an increase in the amount of collagen in the overstretched tissue, resulting in scars called stretch marks.
Stretch marks occur most often around the hips, thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and chest areas. When they first appear, they may be pink in color and can be slightly painful, but with time they turn whitish and become painless.
Treatment and Therapy
Effective measures have been developed to treat the appearance of stretch marks. One of these measures is the use of topical tretinoin, commonly known as Retin A. Applying tretinoin cream to the stretch marks promotes cells, known as fibroblasts, to lay down collagen and elastic fibers at the site. This helps to diminish if not completely fade, the appearance of the stretch marks. Tretinoin is known to work best if it is applied while the stretch mark is forming and is still pink instead of waiting until the mark scars over and turns white. Side effects can occur from the use of tretinoin, including itching, burning, peeling, and redness at the application site.
Another measure that seems to improve the appearance of stretch marks is pulsed dye laser therapy. This treatment works by stimulating fibroblast and elastin production. Although advances have been made in removing stretch marks, many find that they remain permanent markings on the body. Many mothers celebrate their stretch marks, seeing them as tiger stripes earned in bringing new life into the world.
Bibliography
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Parker, Philip M., and James N. Parker. Stretch Marks: A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References. San Diego, Calif.: ICON Health, 2004.
Kang, Sewon. “Topical Tretinoin (Retinoic Acid) Improves Early Stretch Marks.” Archives of Dermatology 132 (May, 1996): 519–526.
Kerr, Sarah J. "Stretch Marks." Health Library, June 20, 2013.
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Moyer, Paula. “Pulsed Dye Laser Seems Effective in Treating Stretch Marks.” Dermatology Times 17, no. 7 (July, 1996): 66.
“Stretch Marks: Why They Appear and How to Get Rid of Them.” American Academy of Dermatology, www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/scars-stretch-marks/stretch-marks-why-appear. Accessed 21 July 2023.