TeenHealthFX - Answers - Several Questions On Stretch Marks

Stretch Marks And Such / Question
Published: June 24, 2009

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I am only 14, and I already have small stretchmarks on my inner thighs, and quite alot on the side of my butt. Which, might I add are embarrassingly almost visible if I wear a bathing suit with small bottoms. Is there ANY way I can get rid of these? How can I stop them from coming, and where do they come from? I know this question was already covered, but not many details were provided.

Signed: Several Questions On Stretch Marks

Dear Several Questions On Stretch Marks,

Many of our readers appear to be concerned with the issue of stretch marks – so we will do our best to provide a more detailed explanation about stretch marks, causes, and information on prevention and treatment.

What Are Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are a form of scarring that often initially starts as a reddish, pinkish, or purplish color, but then becomes glossy with streaks of silver and white. Stretch marks occur in the dermis – the elastic middle layer of skin that allows the skin to keep its shape. When constantly stretched, or stretched too rapidly (such as with pregnancy, weight gain, and weight loss) the dermis begins to break down and leaves stretch marks. In addition, cortisone, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that normally increases over time, is thought to weaken elastic fibers in the skin.

Men and women can both get stretch marks. They most often occur on the abdominal area, thighs, hips, breasts, upper arms and lower back.

Stretch marks are generally not serious and fade over time. Most often stretch marks are nothing more than a cosmetic concern. However, in some cases, widespread stretch marks can indicate an underlying medical condition such as Cushing’s syndrome or other adrenal diseases.

What Circumstances Contribute To The Formation Of Stretch Marks?

· Pregnancy: Most pregnant women develop stretch marks by the end of their pregnancy.

· Weight loss/gain: Substantial and/or rapid weight gain/loss can lead to the formation of stretch marks. Weightlifters often get stretch marks on their arms. And teens may find that they get stretch marks following growth spurts.

· Medication use: Corticosteroid creams, lotions and pills, as well as chronic steroid use, can cause stretch marks.

· Medical illnesses: Cushing’s syndrome, various adrenal gland diseases, Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and adult pituitary tumors can all cause widespread stretch marks.

Can I Prevent Stretch Marks From Forming?

There is generally no sure-fire way to prevent stretch marks. The best chance a person has in any kind of prevention would be maintaining a healthy weight to avoid any periods of significant weight loss or gain. Even pregnant women can work with their doctors to ensure they eat in a healthy way and do appropriate exercises so they do not have excessive weight gain during their pregnancy.

What Works And What Doesn’t Work When Treating Stretch Marks?

There are a few treatments available for people with stretch marks. How effective these treatments will be depends on several factors, such as your age, the age of the stretch marks, skin tone, and even your diet. Treatment methods can include surgical methods, such as:

· Microdermabrasion: a process that gently removes the skin’s topmost layer, which may result in new skin growth that is more elastic. This treatment is generally recommended for older stretch marks.

· Chemical Peels: a chemical solution is used to remove the damaged outer layers of the skin

· Pulsed Dye Laser Therapy and Fractional Photothermolysis: two laser treatments that (in slightly different ways) remodel the underlying skin (dermis) by stimulating the growth of collagen and elastin. These methods tend to be most effective with newer stretch marks.

· Excimer Laser: the goal with this type of treatment is repigmentation by stimulating melanin production. This method is generally used for older stretch marks.

· Tretinoin cream: some research has shown that this cream can reduce the appearance of stretch marks that are less than 6 weeks old. This cream should never be used by pregnant women.

There are many over-the-counter creams, lotions, and ointments marketed as being able to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. These products often include things like cocoa butter, vitamin E, or glycolic acid. They tend not to be harmful, but, medical professionals tend to agree that these types of treatments are not particularly effective.

If you are looking to treat stretch marks, it is important to know that any treatment you choose will not completely remove the stretch marks, but, if anything, will only be partially effective. It is also important to take treatment costs in account, as insurance generally does not cover these procedures, which are generally considered cosmetic.

What Steps Can I Take In Seeking Out Treatment?

It is best to start out with a visit to a dermatologist, a medical professional trained in working with disorders of the skin. You can ask your primary care physician for a referral or contact your insurance company for a list of in-network dermatologists.

If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can also call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-6475 for an appointment or contact your local teen health center.

Signed: TeenHealthFX