Introduction

Each and every person may get stretch marks irrespective of age, sex, general health, life situation etc. However, these factors can make a favorable situation for stretch marks in many cases. Stretch marks appear as a result of excessive stretching of the skin for a prolonged period of time, which in turn, results in the rupture of collagen fibers in the skin. This causes cosmetic problems due to the appearance of pinkish or silvery white lines in different parts of the body.

Beauty–consciousness is an innate weakness of man. Hence, most of us leave no stone unturned in improving our looks. The skin is considered the mirror of the human body and reflects the physical, mental and emotional status of every individual. Therefore, the care of skin naturally assumes utmost significance in beauty care.

The number of people attending beauty clinics and dermatology departments is increasing day by day. Even though skin diseases have a negligible mortality rate, most people are worried about skin problems on account of the social stigma. A person with a disease involving an internal organ may not be as worried as another suffering from a skin ailment in view of the simple reason that everyone can expressly notice the change in the latter in the form of a distortion or plain ugliness.

Synonyms

Different terms are used to denote stretch marks.

  • Striae atrophicae.
  • Vergetures.
  • Striae cutis distensae.
  • Stria gravidarum (stretch marks during pregnancy).
  • Lineae atrophicae.
  • Striae distensae.
  • Linea labicante.

Some Myths About Stretch Marks

  • Only women are affected by stretch marks.
  • Only obese and pregnant ladies get stretch marks.
  • They persist forever.
  • They increase with time.
  • They spread allover the body.
  • Stretch marks indicate ill health.
  • They indicate loss of physical beauty.
  • They can progress to leucoderma.
  • They are contagious.

Some Facts About Stretch Marks

  1. Both sexes are affected by stretch marks.
  2. People in both extremes of life are affected.
  3. Both obese and slim people get stretch marks.
  4. 70% of teenage girls get stretch marks.
  5. 90% of pregnant ladies get stretch marks.
  6. Stretch marks may persist for a long time but become less noticeable later.
  7. Regular exercise prevents stretch marks, whereas vigorous exercise and bodybuilding can result in stretch marks.
  8. Modern treatment methods are effective, but expensive.
  9. Chemical peeling and laser therapy may cause pain and scarring.
  10. Natural methods are cheap and free from side effects.