It refers to the formation of lines that appear in various parts of the body where the skin has been stretched, especially in areas that usually store fat, such as breasts, hips, abdomen, upper arms, and buttocks, among others.
Stretch marks do not cause pain or represent any health risk, in addition to the fact that there is no treatment that helps prevent their appearance. However, their appearance is not usually to the liking of many people, especially women, who are the ones who suffer from them most frequently.
The main cause of stretch marks is the stretching of the skin and the degree or intensity will depend on genetics, how much the skin was stretched, and the amount of cortisol you have, since this hormone wears down the skin, reducing its elasticity.
Some factors that can contribute to a greater extent to the formation of stretch marks are:
- Family history.
- Rapid development in adolescence.
- Pregnancy.
- Taking anabolic steroids to increase muscle mass.
- Breast augmentation surgery.
- Being a woman.
- Sudden weight gain or loss.
- Genetic abnormalities.
- Receive corticosteroid treatment.
In general, stretch marks have differences regarding the time of their appearance, their causes, the area of the body in which they are found, and your skin type. The most common are:
- Satin lines that fade.
- Pink, reddish, blue, or burgundy lines.
- Continuous lines on the breasts, hips, abdomen, buttocks, or other parts of the body.
- Extensive lines that completely cover body areas.
Sometimes stretch marks disappear on their own, but it is best to see a dermatologist to examine your skin and assess the origin of your stretch marks in order to study the best alternatives for your case.
