STRETCH
MARKS
Stretch marks or striae,
as they are called in dermatology, are a form of scarring on the skin with a
silvery white hue. They are caused by tearing of the dermis, and over time can
diminish but not disappear completely. Stretch marks are the result of the rapid
stretching of the skin associated with rapid growth (common in puberty) or weight
gain (e.g. pregnancy). Although the skin is fairly elastic, rapid stretching
of the skin will leave permanent stretch marks. (Source: WD Writers). Stretch
marks are generally associated with pregnancy, obesity, and can develop during
rapid muscle growth from regular excercise. Stretch marks are also referred
to as striae distensae. Medical terminology for these kinds of markings include
striae atrophicae, vergetures, striae cutis distensae, striae gravidarum (in
cases where it is caused by pregnancy), lineae atrophicae, striae distensae,
linea albicante, or simply striae.
Causes
The glucocorticoid hormones responsible for the development of stretch marks
affect the epidermis by preventing the fibroblasts from forming collagen and
elastin fibers, necessary to keep rapidly growing skin taut. This creates a
lack of supportive material, as the skin is stretched and leads to dermal and
epidermal tearing. If the epidermis and the dermis has been penetrated, laser
will not remove the stretch marks.(1)
source
: wikipedia
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