By Celine Mommoh Sanni
Stretch marks, as they are popularly called have become a common skin problem in Nigeria. It is a form of scarring on the skin with an off-color shade. They are caused by the tearing of the dermis, and over time can reduce but not disappear completely.
They first appear as reddish or purple lines depending on the complexion of the individual, but they tend to gradually fade to a lighter shade.
The affected areas appear empty and slack and are often very soft to the touch.
Stretch marks can appear anywhere on the body, but are most likely to appear in places where larger amounts of fat are stored like the abdomen, breasts, upper arms, underarms, thighs (both inner and outer), hips, and buttocks.
Stretch marks can appear anywhere on the body, but are most likely to appear in places where larger amounts of fat are stored like the abdomen, breasts, upper arms, underarms, thighs (both inner and outer), hips, and buttocks.
Stretch mark can be caused by over use of bleaching creams, yoyo weight loss and excessive weight gain, pregnancies and lack of exercise also.
For most women that develop stretch marks during pregnancy it is because the skin stretches during pregnancy and as it stretches they scratch vigorously.
It is advisable not to scratch when you feel the itch, instead apply shear butter or creams that contain menthol so as to cool the itch, the more you scratch the tummy, the more the stretch marks appear especially after the baby has been born.
Improper diet also pose as a problem, the hormones responsible for the growth of stretch marks affect the epidermis by preventing the skin from forming collagen and elastin fibers that is necessary to keep skin tight.
Thus the skin is stretched and this leads to the tearing of the demise and epidermis.
There is hope for people with stretch marks. Some oils and creams can be used to remove or prevent the development of stretch marks.
The use of some certain salon treatment like the dead sea mud wrap, continuous body exfoliation, body massage and herbal sauna bathes have been proven to help reduce and prevent stretch marks.
Please note that the treatment of stretch mark is not rapid but requires patience.
Most of these treatments may take up to six months before you see result, but if done regularly, and with every advice adhered to, like stopping the use of bleaching creams, healthy eating habits and regular exercise followed by the salon treatments, you will be happy with the results you get.
