Causes of Stretch Marks

 

 Stretch marks are caused by overstretching the skin. They are prevalent and occur when the skin is stretched.

The following are the most affected areas:

• Abdomen

• Breasts

• hips

• Buttock 

• Thighs

 The Most Common Causes of Stretch Marks

Stretch marks appear when your body expands for whatever cause. Your skin cannot extend fast enough to keep up.

Stretch marks can occur as a result of:

• Rapid weight gain (this affects both men and women 

• Puberty-related growth spurts in childhood Assure children that this is normal and that childhood markings will fade as they grow older.

• Medical problems: Certain medical diseases, such as Marfan syndrome and Cushing's syndrome, can generate stretch marks.

 Marfan syndrome a hereditary disorder that weakens skin fibers and promotes abnormal development can cause skin tissue to lose elasticity, while Cushing's disease can cause the body to create too much of a hormone, causing rapid weight gain and skin fragility.

• Pregnancy causes stretched skin and a rise in hormones, which weakens skin fibers. They may diminish when you lose weight after the baby is born. Stretch marks occur in 50 to 90 percent of pregnant women during or after childbirth.

• Breast augmentation surgery

• Bodybuilding, even those with little fat, can make their muscles bulge.

• Excessive steroid use, either from steroid drugs or from conditions such as Cushing's syndrome

• Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a collection of disorders caused by hereditary abnormalities in collagen, a protein in your body.

• Rapid weight gain: Gaining a lot of weight in a short period can result in stretch marks.

• Corticosteroid use: Long-term use of corticosteroid creams and lotions can reduce collagen levels in the skin. Collagen is a protein that reinforces and supports the skin, and a lack of it might raise the risk of stretch marks.