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Wouldn't it be
great if you did not get stretch marks at all? Well,
science is not exactly there yet but we are getting close.
According to new research published in the Aesthetic
Surgery Journal, it may be possible to identify which
women are more susceptible to stretch marks so that
precautions can be taken early on.
As you
might know, stretch marks are most commonly associated
with childbirth,
rapid weight gain or
extreme weight loss. They occur when the skin is
overstretched and the fibers in the elastic middle layer
of the skin are torn. Researchers have known for some time
that the incidence of stretch marks varies widely among
women at similar risk. |
 Why do only some women get stretch
marks?
What
doctors have now been able to do is to find out that women
who do get stretch marks actually have deficiency in total
DNA and total protein. Their cells also could not quickly
reproduce or repair stretch-dependent skin injuries. These
deficiencies were not seen in the skin samples of women
without stretch marks. In other words, some women simply
do not get stretch marks even after pregnancy or even if
they get them, they go away pretty quickly, especially if
they
lose their pregnancy pounds quickly. It is like
acne during pregnancy - some women get it, others
don't. The report further demonstrated that skin
biopsy can be used to identify those at risk.
Additionally, it showed that the cells responsible for the
skin's resilience are metabolically and biochemically
impaired in both the normal and stretch mark affected skin
of women with stretch marks, as compared to women without
the condition.
How
can doctors help you deal with your stretch marks?
Whenever
you experience rapid weight gain/loss or are
planning to
become pregnant, particularly if you are
obese, it is a good idea to consult a skin
specialist. While current treatments for stretch
marks tend to fade the marks, rather than fully
remove them, if the treatment begins early on, the
results can be much better. A doctor can do a skin
biopsy and try to assess if you are more likely to
get stretch marks. If you are a high-risk
candidate, the doctor can prescribe you a
stretch mark cream
early on and also suggest appropriate exercises to
minimize stretch marks. Some women find that
yoga during pregnancy is a great way to stay
fit. (Related:
Skin treatments)
Recommended articles:
How to take care of your body during pregnancy?
Tummytuck after pregnancy
Hydroquinone cream
Aging of hands
My breasts have
sagged after childbirth |
