LADY HARDING

STRETCH MARK

            Stretch marks, also known as striae distensae, occur when there is an increase in circulating glucocorticoid hormones in the bloodstream. These hormones produces by the adrenal glands, are increased in pregnancy, obesity, Adolescence (growth spurt) Cushing disease, Body Building (as a result of strenuous repetitive exercise) and rapid weight gain and loss. They may also be caused by the ingestion of oral steroids and the application of steroid cream and ointment 90 percent of pregnant women develop stretch mark during this period due to colds and other hormones such as Relaxin and Estrogen . this sustained stretching of the about men due to weight gain and the expanding uterus cause marks to develop at about the sixth to seventh months. The breasts, buttocks and the thighs are also commonly affected.

            The skin is comprised of three layer, the Epidermis (protective outer layer) the dermis (elastic resilient middle layer ) and the subcutaneous layer of fat beneath the dermis that supplies nutrient to the other two layers and that cushions and insulates the body.

            Depending on your skin color stretch marks begin as raised, reddish-brown, dark brown or pink striations that turn into flattened white bands that appear a few shades lighter than your natural shin tone. If your skin is dark this color may not be seen but are present stretch can appear anywhere on the body, where the skin has been stretched and are most likely o appear in skin overlying deposit like fat like the thighs, buttocks, abdomen, breast and upper arms. They usually become less noticeable over time, post absolutely no health risk and are purely a cosmetic issue the best time treat is early when the marks are red and raised striae.