Best ways to get rid of Stretch Marks

What are Stretch marks?

Stretch marks are long streaks seen on the skin after pregnancy, sudden weight gain or sudden weight loss. They are otherwise called striae (stria).

They are commonly seen over the abdomen (belly), hips, shoulders, back, breast, buttocks and thigh.

They are fine scar under the outer layer of the skin.

What causes stretch marks?

Whenever there is a sudden overstretching of the skin due to causes like pregnancy, abdominal swellings like ascites and sudden weight gain, the middle layer of the skin is damaged. This leads to tearing of the fibers of dermis and epidermis which in turn produce scarring. The scars are called stretch marks. Stretch marks are also seen in endocrine disorders (Cushing syndrome) and in patients who use steroids often.

Stretch mark due to pregnancy is called Striae gravidarum.

What are the symptoms?

In early stages stretch marks are seen as red or pink streaks and there may be itching or burning sensation. Slowly the stretch marks fade and seen as thin silvery lines. They create cosmetical problems (psychological and emotional distress).

Treatment to get rid of stretch marks

There are thousands of products available in the market to remove stretch marks. However, these products fail to produce desired effects on the stretch marks. They may not fully remove the stretch marks, but they may help to fade away the stretch marks more quickly. They are more effective when applied on early stages.

Surgical treatment

Laser stretch mark removal

High energy laser lights are used to remove thin layer of skin around the stretch marks so that a new layer of skin is formed.

Mechanical Microdermabrasion or Dermabrasion

Scraping (wounding) the topmost layer of the skin over the stretch marks promotes the growth of new and healthy skin.

Abdominoplasty

This is otherwise called as tummy tuck. Here the abdominal muscles are tightened and excess skin along with the stretch marks are removed

Medical treatment

Trofolastin cream, alpha-tocopherol, panthenol, hyaluronic acid and menthol cream can be used.

Aluminium oxide crystals, glycolic acid or alpha hydroxy acid can be used as a chemical peel to peel off the top layer of the skin.

Natural treatment to get rid of stretch marks

Lemon Juice: fresh lemon juice can be applied over the stretch marks, rub it with upward circular motion and wash it after 15 minutes this will help to get rid of stretch marks.

Lemon juice with cucumber juice: Equal amount of lemon juice and cucumber juice are mixed together and can be applied and washed after 15 minutes.

Castor oil: Gently massage castor oil over the stretch marks, give hot water fomentation and wash it after 30 minutes.

Potato: Cut potato and rub the cut ends over the stretch marks, allow it to dry for 30 minutes and wash it off with lukewarm water.

Egg white: Massage egg white over the stretch marks and wash it off after 30 minutes with cool water.

Sugar or salt Scrub: Sugar or salt can be added to honey, coconut oil or olive oil and rubbed with upward circular motion.

This removes the topmost layer of the skin so that new skin is formed.

Honey, olive oil and sugar scrub can be used.

Aloe vera gel and vitamin E: Add 50 ml of aloe vera gel and 50 ml of olive oil and cut and squeeze 5 vitamin E capsules into it and apply it over the stretch marks.

Papaya and sugar can be used as a scrub.

Honey olive oil and oats can also be used as a scrub.

Light treatment: Infrared light or ultraviolet light can be used to fade the stretch marks.