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Severe stretch marks are expected to ruin skin and may even cause you to lose self-esteem. Understand some facts on why such type of stretch marks happen.

Once the skin loses its elasticity, stretch marks can appear. They appear as red or purple streaks which may feel mottled or soft to touch. Common causes are pregnancy, weight gain and puberty or if a family member has stretch marks then you’re likely to have one too. Stretch marks, even the most severe ones, will fade in due time or if you want immediate effect, you can resort to more intensive treatments although no treatment can guarantee a specific degree of improvement. Here are yet other facts to discover about severe stretch marks.

Facts – Causes of Severe Stretch Marks

The expansion of the abdomen during pregnancy, rapid weight gain or weight loss and growth spurts during puberty can cause the formation of stretch marks. A collagen disorder or any medication that can interrupt collagen production may also be a cause. Stretch marks could also be developed as a consequence of diabetes. If a stretch mark is caused by rapid weight gain or hereditary factors then this is considered quite severe in nature.

Fact 2 – Prevention of Severe Stretch Marks

The formation of stretch marks can be prevented by maintaining a healthy weight. Bodybuilders are prone to severe striae because of the rapid expansion of the skin surrounding muscles. It is advisable for them to build muscles gradually. If you think you are prone to striae, consult your doctor about what he can recommend instead of corticosteroid ointments and creams as these can weaken and cause the skin to be thin thus encouraging damage. There are many creams available in the market that claim to prevent as well as treat stretch marks; no one of them have been proven to be effective, states the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Fact 3 – Treatment for New Striae

If the stretch marks are new or recently developed, they may respond to some medical treatments. Tretinoin creams which are made from retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, can help rebuild the collagen in the stretch mark to improve its appearance. You can also use the pulsed dye laser therapy for the treatments of newly formed stretch marks. The procedure involves the use of laser to stimulate collagen and elastin production so as to rejuvenate the affected skin and at the same time change its color. Although this treatment can be used for old stretch marks, it is of less effect.

Fact 4 – Treatment for Old Striae

Laser treatment especially an excimer laser, can help heal old stretch marks. This type of laser compared to pulsed dye laser therapy affects the melanin of the skin instead of the collagen or elastin. It changes the color of the skin in which it matches closely with your skin tone. Microdermabrasion on the other hand uses crystals to discard off the surface of the skin so as to improve the uneven texture of the stretch marks. The upper layer of the skin is then removed so that the healthier second layer will be exposed.

Fact 5 – Taking Considerations

Although these treatments can improve the appearance of the skin, no one of them can completely eliminate stretch marks says a dermatologist Brial Zelickson, on the Patient’s Guide to Stretchmarks website. After a skin has been scarred, it will never be restored again. Most of the treatments require several sessions for best results and there will be follow-up treatments to be accomplished to maintain such results.

Severe stretch marks may be prevented from happening. If it is there, then your choice is to spend on some costly treatments. The costs of these treatments differ depending on the location and the nature of the treatment. A microdermabrasion costs $79-$150 per treatments while a chemical peel ranges from $75-$600. Laser treatment costs at least $200 per session.

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