Nobody likes how stretch marks look on their bodies. Some people feel bad, disgusted, or irritated when they look at their stretch marks in the mirror. Nobody wishes to get one, no matter what people say otherwise. They are common among men and women but more prevalent in women.
What are Stretch Marks?
Although common, it can happen during pregnancy because of sudden weight loss or gain, rapid muscle growth during training, etc. If your skin is stretched farther than it used to and developed a scar on the skin, it is called a stretch mark. They form on the second layer of the skin, the dermis. This sudden change causes collagen and elastin, which support our skin, to break out. When the skin heals, stretch marks may appear. They usually appear on the abdomen, breasts, hips, buttocks, or other places. Painless, but how they look may be bothersome for many. They may or may not fade away over time but do not go permanently. Stretch marks may look different and vary depending on how long you have had them or where you have them on the skin.
How do Stretch Marks First Appear?
Before stretch marks appear, the skin may look dark. Stretch marks may first seem red, purple, pink, reddish-brown, or dark brown, depending on your skin tone. Early stretch marks may feel slightly raised and can be itchy. These streaks eventually fade and flatten and tend to change to a silver color over time. It can also depend on the intensity; for some, it can be genetics. The stretch marks may become less visible over time.
As mentioned above, genetics play an essential role in stretch marks, and family history associated with it can lead to stretch marks in many ways. Even chronic diseases related to birthweight of the child in pregnant women, etc., are some of the risk factors causing stretch marks.
Diagnosis
You may look at your stretch marks and identify them, or even a healthcare practitioner can conduct a physical examination. Remember, they are common, but the older it gets, the more challenging it becomes to treat stretch marks. If you are particular about your appearance, it is good to take precautions, and if you already have stretch marks, then considering treatment options would be helpful.