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Stretch Marks Are a Scarring Of the Skin
By M. A. Fulmar

Stretch marks are considered to be a scarring on the skin accompanied by a silvery white hue, and are most often associated with pregnancy, bodybuilding, puberty, obesity as well as intense physical activity. When the skin is overstretched and it causes an interference with normal production of collagen, a scar is left behind on the skin. It is known by different medical terms and may first become visible as reddish or purple lines, and later appears lighter in color, and the areas affected seem to be empty as well as soft to the touch.

Occurs In the Resilient Middle Layer of the Skin

Stretch marks happen in the resilient middle layer that aids the skin to retain its shape, and when this middle layer is continuously stretched over a period of time, there is overstretching that takes place and the skin loses its elasticity, and this results in connective fibers within to break resulting in stretch marks. When the body returns to its original and unstretched size, such as after childbirth or weight loss, the stretch marks fade and are less noticeable.

There is no particular part of the body that one can say will show stretch marks, and they may occur anywhere on the body, but are most likely to appear in places that store fat, or are liable to stretch the most. One can safely assume that the abdomen, breasts, upper arms, underarms, thighs, hips, as well as buttocks are more than likely to have stretch marks on them. There is no risk to the person's health and they also do not compromise the ability of the body to function in a normal fashion, or repair it.

Exercising can cause stretch marks since the muscles grow faster than the skin and its surrounding tissues, and will therefore leave stretch marks. It may also be the result of long-term corticosteroid use such as creams or oral form, and it may also be a sign or symptom of Cushing's syndrome.

A great majority of women will develop stretch marks during pregnancy and there are a number of different methods used to remove them, such as laser treatments, dermabrasion as well as topical applications, though none are guaranteed to work completely. One may also try out oils or creams in areas that have high risk of becoming stretched, and many over-the-counter drugs are used in this regard. However, the most reliable treatment to remove existing stretch marks is surgery, since other means are usually only capable of fading the stretch marks, and not completely removing them.

Author Details:
M. A. Fulmar, copywriter for various websites about skin care, cosmetic surgery, cosmetics and all areas of medical aesthetics.

Article Source: Directory of Free Articles

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