Obesity/Metabolic Syndrome

What are stretch marks?

Stretch marks are a common skin condition characterised by visible lines or streaks that appear on the skin’s surface. They often have a different colour or texture than the surrounding skin. Stretch marks are extremely common, affecting over 70% of the population. There are two types of stretch marks – striae rubra (red or new stretch marks) and striae alba (white or old stretch marks).

What causes stretch marks?

Stretch marks, as the name suggests, are due to stretching of the skin, which results in altered structural support in the deeper layers of the skin. Microscopic studies of stretch marks show alteration in collagen and diminished elastin, as well as swelling. Early stretch marks exhibit an increase in the number of blood vessels and inflammation, resulting in pink-purple discolouration.

What do stretch marks look like?

The first signs of stretch marks are pink to purple lines usually running crosswise on the trunk and lengthwise along the limb. Early stretch marks may be itchy and will lighten and develop a pale, wrinkled appearance over time known as striae alba. Stretch marks most commonly occur on the abdomen, inner arms, back and breast areas. Stretch marks may also develop in the groin and armpits if high-strength steroid creams are inappropriately used in these areas.

What other conditions lead to stretch marks?

Puberty and weight gain: Weight lifters often develop stretch marks on the arms. In puberty, stretch marks may occur on the back, abdominal areas and breasts.
Pregnancy: Stretch marks most commonly develop in the third trimester of pregnancy. This is thought to be caused by hormonal changes and weight gain associated with pregnancy.
Medications: Corticosteroid creams, ointments or tablets may cause stretch marks if used inappropriately and without dermatologist supervision.
Diseases: Cushing’s syndrome, Marfan’s syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can predispose a person to developing stretch marks.

How are stretch marks treated?

Stretch marks are a cosmetic problem and treatment is optional. The majority of stretch marks will fade over time. Early red stretch marks respond better to treatment than older, white stretch marks but no treatment will remove stretch marks completely.

TREATMENTS

Pulse dye laser: This is the most promising method of treating early red stretch marks and may help decrease the red discolouration in stretch marks. Most people will benefit from three to five treatments, spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart. This treatment can cause temporary bruising.
Vitamin A creams such as tretinoin can be combined with laser treatments to treat stretch marks.
Fractional non-ablative lasers can improve early stretch marks. At best, this treatment will help to blend the affected and unaffected areas, potentially making them less visible. Three to five treatments are needed for best results.

Treatment of white stretch marks

White stretch marks can be very difficult to treat with only mild to modest improvement with multiple sessions. Treatment methods include:

Lasers: For old stretch marks, both fractional ablative and non-ablative lasers are more effective than pulse dye lasers. Fractional lasers work by stimulating and remodelling collagen and elastin. At best, this treatment will help to blend the affected and unaffected areas, potentially making them less visible. Three to five treatments may be needed to see some improvement.
Skin needling is a form of fractional skin treatment. Success with this treatment is highly variable.
Prescription vitamin A creams such as tretinoin may be partially effective.
Vitamin E creams and various oils have not been scientifically proven to reduce stretch marks but can be worth trying.

Which treatment will suit me?

The best treatment for your skin will depend on your skin condition. If you want to learn more about how to remove unwanted stretch marks without invasive cosmetic surgery, contact us here and schedule an appointment with our doctors today.

Feel free to send us some photos instead if you are unable to find the time for a consultation.