Stretch marks
Stretch marks are visible phenomena in the hypodermis ( subcutaneous ) caused by strong elongation of the fabric. In medical terminology the stretch marks on the skin are atrophicae as striae cutis or striae cutis distensae ( from Lat = striae strip, cutis = skin, atrophicae = atrophic, distensae = overstretched ) refers. During a pregnancy, the occurrence of stretch marks is physiologically; they are called stretch marks ( striae gravidarum Latin ).
The coloration is caused by translucent blood vessels, hence the name striae rubra ( from the Latin ruber = red). The strips preferably occur on particularly polluted tissues such as abdomen, hips, buttocks, upper arms and breasts. Predisposing factors include connective tissue and a strong weight gain. In addition, the elasticity of the skin is reduced during pregnancy due to hormonal influences.
Formation
The connective tissue in the dermis which is responsible for the elasticity of the skin, consisting of a network of collagen fibers. If the connective tissue stretches, this will cause irreparable cracks in the subcutaneous tissue, leading to externally visible reddish blue stripes. Over time, fade the stripes, but remain visible as bright scars.
Stretch marks occur not only during pregnancy, they can also enjoy a cortisone therapy or during growth show. It is also possible to get stretch marks due to too much sports. Women with medium to large breasts should wear a sports bra during exercise to counteract these strips. Likewise, the stronger muscle building ( like bodybuilding ) stretch marks are almost inevitable.
In addition, stretch marks can be symptoms of diseases, such as obesity or Cushing's syndrome, or they may arise as a side effect of medication, for example, in therapy with adrenocorticotropic hormone ( ACTH) and glucocorticoids.
Treatment
Vitamin A acid in creams or ingested orally, the scars regression positively influence.
There are also methods available to a reduction, or hypertrophic ( superior; beaded ) allow scars to flatten out, eg, cryotherapy, topical application of trichloroacetic acid and various laser systems.