Who Gets Stretch Marks?

Virtually anyone can get stretch marks but certain people are more susceptible to them than others.  Women are more susceptible to stretch marks that men although men can get them as well. Pregnancy stretch marks are called striae gravidarum.  A study shows that 8 out of 10  women will develop stretch marks when pregnant. Pregnancy stretches the skin and creates striations and even erythema in the stretch mark. The stretching causes injury to the dermis and the striations become red. This can cause an added problem when trying to fade the stretch mark because the redness must be addressed as well as the striations. White females are more at risk of developing stretch marks that women of color. Genetics plays a role in the susceptibility of these striations. If striae run in your family there is more  likelihood you will develop them as well.

You do not have to be pregnant to have a higher risk of precipitating stretch marks. Obesity and over weight people coupled with dramatic weight loss or gain runs havoc on the dermis and the distention causes  stretch marks. As the abdomen enlarges the visible signs of dermal injury appear.Walking causes tugging on the distended abdomen of obese individuals and constantly injures the skin. The thighs are another common location for stretch marks to appear especially in areas of rapid weight changes.

Stretch marks appear during puberty in 70% of young women and 40% of boys. At younger ages this can precipitate emotional issues stemming from teasing. Add obesity to these young people’s problem and the simple stretch mark  becomes an ever day nightmare.  

Healthy living can minimize your chance of developing stretch marks by striving not to have dramatic weight gain. Diet and exercise postpartum can possibly minimize the severity of stretch marks. The stretching and tugging in the tummy by the baby can not be avoided and stretch marks may be inevitable.  People with no regard to their diet during and immediately after pregnancy may have a better chance of achieving minimization of the unattractive striae.

It is important to mention that stretch marks may be caused by the body’s response to steroids. Excessive use of topical steroid creams  or endogenous corticosteroids can produce stretch marks without weight changes. This can be a sign of underlying disease such as Cushing’s Syndrome. Before any treatment, consultation with a physician is a must. All locations on StretchmarksSeattle.com  are physician staffed and physician owned. Your treatment plan will always be formulated discreetly and always with a physician and the professional skin care team. Every aspect of your medical history is taken into account because the medicine you may be taking, your family history and even your skin care regimen may be a factor in establishing a customized plan for you.

If you are one of the individuals suffering from stretch marks, browse StretchMarksSeattle.com and find a location near you. Friendly , knowledgeable staff are waiting to help you begin your transformation. Enjoy wearing shorts and swim suits again.  Ask about evening and Saturday appointments to accommodate you busy lifestyle.