Stretch Marks (Belly) – Causes, Treatment & Prevention

The stretch marks that appear in the abdominal area, but occasionally also on other parts of the body , are elongated scars in the connective tissue of the skin, which are also known as striae. In the acute phase, they are reddish to violet in color because of the blood vessels shining through the skin. Later, the stretch marks can fade so that they are only faintly visible. However, they will never disappear completely, since the affected connective tissue can only regenerate to a very limited extent.

causes

Stretch marks always appear on the abdomen when the connective tissue of the subcutaneous tissue is stretched too quickly or too much. This tissue is made up of a network of collagen fibers that give the skin its elasticity. If stretched too quickly or too much, these fibers tear, resulting in streaks that are more visible from the outside. This phenomenon is mainly associated with the increasing abdominal girth during pregnancy, which led to the naming. Stretch marks are not a sign of illness, but are found in the majority of pregnant women .A favorable factor, however, is an existing connective tissue weakness. Striae can also form outside of pregnancy if the tissue in the abdominal area expands rapidly or excessively. This can be the case during a growth phase during puberty , but severe obesity or bodybuilding can also cause stretch marks. Therefore, male adolescents and men can also be affected by stretch marks. In addition, stretch marks can be caused by Cushing’s syndrome or in connection with the use of various medications, especially when it comes to hormone therapies.

Diseases

• connective tissue weakness

• Cushing-Syndrom

• hormonal imbalances

diagnosis and course

Since stretch marks are visible from the outside and their appearance is unmistakable, the medical diagnosis is based on an external examination. A detailed anamnesis with further diagnostic procedures is only necessary if there is no obvious cause such as advanced pregnancy or obesity with a strong expansion of the abdominal area . Blood tests in particular can be used to clarify whether Cushing’s syndrome is present.

Any medication prescribed elsewhere and their possible side effects are also discussed in the doctor’s consultation. However, stretch marks themselves are not a disease, but merely an optical blemish. This appearance of stretch marks improves over time without any action on the part of those affected. Only in the acute phase are stretch marks conspicuously reddish to blue-violet. As soon as the abdominal circumference has returned to normal, they fade and are finally only visible as shimmering silver lines on the skin, which is sometimes slightly nicked in these areas.

treatment and therapy

Because stretch marks on the abdomen are scar tissue, applying vitamin A acid- based creams or taking vitamin A acid by mouth can help improve the appearance of the skin. A chemical peel that uses glycolic acid can also have this effect, as it stimulates the formation of new epidermal cells, resulting in a flattening of the scars. As a result, the stretch marks that are still present appear less noticeable. Such a flattening can also be achieved by various laser procedures, which are often supplemented by chemical peeling.

In mesotherapy, different substances are injected into the affected areas of the skin, which is intended to stimulate the regeneration of the subcutaneous tissue. A complete disappearance of the stretch marks on the abdomen can only be achieved through surgical measures. However, these are only used if the stretch marks are extremely pronounced and the psychological stress caused by them is very high. It should also be considered that while the stretch marks are removed, surgical scars may remain.

prevention

The development of stretch marks on the abdomen can only be prevented to a very limited extent during pregnancy. From the end of the first trimester of pregnancy, it is recommended to regularly massage the abdomen with special creams or oils in circular movements or to perform plucking massages in order to make the connective tissue of the subcutaneous tissue more supple and flexible. Contrast showers can also stimulate blood flow in the connective tissue and thus strengthen it.

However, there is no guarantee that these measures will actually prevent or delay the appearance of stretch marks. Basically, it makes sense and is beneficial for the elasticity of the skin if you pay attention to sufficient fluid intake and a healthy, vitamin-rich diet . In particular, the vitamin E contained in various nuts can help prevent stretch marks on the abdomen. In addition, clothing should be adapted to the growing belly and support it without constricting it.

Women who tend to weak connective tissue should not do any sport during pregnancy that leads to additional stress. Swimming, on the other hand, is ideal because the water relieves the tissue. If you are not pregnant, you should avoid extreme weight fluctuations and excess fat accumulation in the abdominal area. Sudden excessive training should also be avoided when doing sports to prevent stretch marks.