| - | Stretch marks in womenBiopsy can show which women are more likely to have them 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) |
| | | |
