Reduced amounts of fibrillin, a glycoprotein essential for the formation of elastic fibers found in connective tissue, diminished the elastin in the skin and contributes to the atrophied appearance of stretch marks. Numerous studies of mature stretch marks show that stretched collagen fibers aligned parallel to the skin surface, followed by subsequent loss of collagen and increased flattening. Stretch marks are separated from normal skin by a densely packed area of thin, collagen bundles. Eventually, they can develop a white or silver-like appearance and become flat, shiny and depressed. Another stage is characterized by a purple or reddish mark, and, third, the chronic stage is noted by flattened areas of skin with a pink-red hue that may be itchy and slightly raised, susceptible to lengthening and acquiring a dark purple hue. ![]() Stage one is the acute stage and is characterized by red and slightly raised stretch marks. Studies have shown that there are three stages of stretch marks. Stretch marks have been reported in patients with chronic liver disease, HIV, cachectic states and anorexia nervosa. High steroid hormone levels can have an effect on the decrease of collagen. It has also been suggested that stretch marks can be caused by high serum levels of steroid hormones induced for a local or systemic steroid therapy or Cushing’s disease. The tissue ultimately gets damaged due to stretching, and this stretching of the skin, or dermis, causes scarring. Essentially, stretch marks are caused by the skin being overstretched, which occurs in certain, but rather common, conditions - such as pregnancy, obesity and growing (during adolescence). Stretch marks occur because the middle layer of the skin is torn. ![]() Our skin consist of a top layer called the epidermis, the middle layer called the dermis and then the base layer. So, how to get rid of stretch marks? While you can’t make them disappear, you can diminish their overall appearance by using certain natural remedies (discussed below). Stretch marks, also known as striae distensae, are found more often in women than men - and they typically appear in the abdomen area, the breasts, outer thighs, buttocks, thighs and upper arms. Even though stretch marks rarely cause any significant medical problems, they can be annoying, distressful and cause embarrassment because it often seems there is no way to get rid of them.
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