What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks (striae) are usually on the abdomen, buttocks party, breasts, thighs, or arms and caused damage to the skin. Initially, the stripes pink or mauve, but they fade over time and will be white or flesh-colored. Up to 90% of pregnant women experience stretch marks, especially towards the end of pregnancy (Norwegian electronic drug handbook). Overweight and body builders are also more likely to get stretch marks.
Stretch marks occur usually due to rapid weight gain and hormonal factors. The condition is far more frequent among women than men because the majority of cases with stretch marks occur during pregnancy.
Stretch marks are indicated to occur in up to 90% of all pregnant women at the end of svangerskapet.Strekkmerker is more common among younger women, women with large babies and overweight women. Non-whites and women with earlier onset of stretch marks on breasts or thighs, or have a family accumulation of stretch marks, also have increased risk.
Reason for stretch marks:
The development of stretch marks is to some extent genetic. Stretch marks is because the skin is stretched because of rapid weight gain, but also that hormones affect the skin's elasticity.
Can stretch marks be prevented?
Physical activity helps to tighten the skin and prevents obesity. In addition, the skin is kept supple by using good creams with a lot of moisture that massaged lightly in 2 times a day. You can also exit the shower to smear baby oil on damp skin.
Some research has shown that the agent tretinoin (Aberela) can dampen the development of stretch marks. This applies to the stretch marks that are less than six weeks old and still pink or red in color. However, tretinoin can be harmful to the fetus and should not be used during pregnancy.
Treatment of stretch marks
Stretch marks will rarely disappear completely, but you can help make them less visible. Regular exercise and massage that increases blood flow in the skin can reduce the stretch marks.
There are many stretch mark creams on the market that contain ingredients that can help to reduce stretch marks. The cream should be massaged into 2ganger daily where stretch marks occurred.
Nourishing Stretch Mark Cream can also act as a deterrent against stretch marks by massaging in 2 times daily on exposed areas.
Laser treatment is also a possibility, but so far there is no good scientific summaries of the effect of such treatment 8 . There are no good surgical services. Any surgery on stretch marks is defined as cosmetic, and the costs not covered by the public.
What is the prognosis?
Stretch marks shrinks after birth, but they usually disappear not complete. Most stretch marks fade with time. They are all white or flesh-colored stripes, and appears slightly waxy.
Reference:
Norwegian electronic medical handbook
