Stretch marks stand as one of the common skin concerns for some people. Also called striae, strecth marks refer to skin scarring, which has different color than the person’s usually skin tone. They may disappear over time; however, they may not disappear completely. As a result, some people are bothered and stressed when they see the marks. The following are the causes, signs and symptoms, and home remedies for stretch marks.
Causes
Stretch marks are caused by the stretching of the skin. According to Mayo Clinic, this is due to various factors, such as genetics, extent of stress on the skin, and cortisone level. As per the publication, cortisone, which is produced by the adrenal glands, weaken the skin’s elastic fibers. Other factors include a female gender, personal or family history of stretch marks, pregnancy, being overweight or obese, weight gain or loss, use of corticosteroids, breast enlargement surgery, and medical conditions like Marfan syndrome and Cushing syndrome.
Signs and Symptoms
Stretch marks present various symptoms. According to Mayo Clinic, these include indented streaks of lines in the skin; pink, red, purple, blue, or black streaks; bright streaks that fade to a lighter color; streaks on the breasts, abdomen, hips, thighs, and buttocks; and streaks covering large body areas. As per the publication, the appearance of stretch marks vary from one body part to another and from one person to another. It is also noted that medical consult may be necessary of the person is concerned with the skin appearance and the streaks that cover huge body areas.
Home Remedies
Stretch mark treatents usually include creams, light therapy, laser therapy, and microdermabrasion, a procedure that uses a hand-held device that blows crystals onto the skin. Along with the aforementioned, remedies can also be done to manage stretch marks.
Sugar
One way to remove stretch marks is sugar. According to Home Remedy Shop, sugar acts as a natural exfoliant and it serves as one of the best remedies that counter the skin condition. As per the publication, a tablespoon of sugar is mixed with a few drops of almond oil and lemon juice. Then, the resulting mixture is applied directly onto the affected area. The mixture is rubbed for eight to ten minutes, before it is rinsed. The remedy is used for a month until the stretchmarks fade.
Egg Whites
Another remedy for stretch marks are egg whites. According to Top 10 Home Remedies, eggs are protein rich, which mean they help build and repair tissues and cells. As per the publication, the person whips the whites of the two eggs with a fork. Then, the affected skin area is cleaned with water and egg whites is applied using a makeup brush. The egg whites are allowed to dry and the area is rinsed with cold water. Finally, olive oil is also applied to prevent dryness. The remedy is done for at least two weeks until the desired outcome is achieved.
Castor Oil
Castor oil also helps manage stretch marks. According to David Wolfe’s official website, the oil is applied to the area and is gently massaged in circular motions for five to ten minutes. Then, the area is wrapped with a thin cloth. After that, a hot water bottle or a heating pad is applied to the area for up to 30 minutes per day. The procedure is done everyday for one month.
Stretch marks are some of the usual skin issues for other people and these make them worried or bothered which may affect their activities of daily living and impair their interaction with other people. In line with its management, it is best to seek medical consult from a dermatologist for proper history and assessment, diagnosis, planning, intervention, education, and evaluation.
