Pregnancy Stretch Marks- Scarred no longer
Generally associated with pregnancy, puberty, or obesity, these scars affect the production of collagen. These marks are pretty soft, in fact, softer than normal skin. To begin with, they are either purple or red in color, and later they turn silver- white in color. These scars affect the dermis layer of the skin. Dermis is the deeper layer (under epidermis- the outer layer) that makes the skin supple. When dermis overstretches during pregnancy, the fibers present in this layer lose their elasticity.
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These spots show up in more than seventy-five percent of all pregnant women. These scars commonly occur on the lower abdomen, breasts, upper arms, buttocks, hips, thighs, and calves. The number of patches that you may get would depend upon the elasticity of your skin. In addition, the presence of these patches is directly proportionate to the amount of weight that you gain during your pregnancy.
In fact, a theory says that, if your mother suffered from marks during her pregnancy, you should prepare yourself for them.
Even though there are various methods for its treatment, there are no reliable methods for the complete removal of stretch marks. Some popular treatments are laser treatment, derma-abrasion, and application of a lotion for stretch marks.
These patches do not affect a woman's health, nor do they affect the baby in any manner. These are not harmful or painful in any way, yes they are a cosmetic issue, since they look like streaks on the skin. The best course of action is to consult a dermatologist, as he would offer you the best advice. He will also let you choose your treatment option. Sometimes, some medications too can cause stretch marks, so it is important to keep your doctor in the know of things.
Even though there are various home remedies for these scars, at times surgery seems to be the best method to completely get rid of them. Lotions and creams would only help them fade a little. People swear by the benefits of laser surgery as it focuses on the underlying tissues of the skin, where the damage has actually occurred. Derma-abrasion also has gained popularity over the years. However, the success rate of the procedure varies from individual to individual. It depends upon numerous factors such as age, diet, general skin health etc.
Over-the-counter creams are popular with those who do not want to go under the surgeon's scalpel. Many common sense measures like drinking plenty of water and eating skin friendly food like fish, nuts, eggs etc., go a long way in preventing pregnancy stretch marks. These foods contain zinc and proteins that are very beneficial for healthy skin.
Why would any woman want to look or feel conscious about her stretch marks when she has so many treatment options open to her now? You too must decide upon your preferred course of stretch mark removal after talking it out with your doctor.

