Is It Possible To Make Stretch Marks Disappear?

Stretch marks are very common scar-like micro lesions on the surface of the skin that affect many people. This is true for both women and men, although they are more common in women. Stretch marks occur on certain areas of the body, such as the thighs, abdomen, buttocks, hips and chest, lower back, upper arms, and the inside of the knees. They appear on the skin in an elongated shape or as stripes, usually purple at first, later pink and then pearly white.

The depth and color indicate the particular phase of development of the stretch marks. In fact, two phases can be identified:

• The acute/inflammatory phase, characterized by purple-red lesions with a rather bulging appearance at the time of their development, due to the dilation of the blood vessels, which in some cases can be symptomatic, either painful or irritating.

• The chronic/scarred phase is characterized by (white) asymptomatic streaks.

Stretch marks occur when the skin is stretched beyond its elastic limits and the deep collagen fibers tear. Several triggering factors have been identified:

• Stretch marks can be associated with, among other things, high blood levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which is the case with certain diseases such as Cushing's syndrome or treatments containing cortisone. In large quantities, this hormone affects the production of collagen, which is responsible for the elasticity of the skin. When the elasticity of the skin decreases, it cracks under stress.

• Pregnancies and teenage growth spurts are also risky. During these periods, there is a strong hormonal imprint that causes the collagen and elastin fibers to become brittle, causing these fibers to tear. The result is stretch marks.

• Rapid and severe weight gain or loss can also cause stretching of the skin.

• Long-term use of steroids in athletes can promote the development of stretch marks. These drugs are aimed at a rapid increase in muscle mass.