You are not alone: almost every woman is affected by stretch marks on the abdomen, buttocks or legs. They don't look very nice. However, there are a few tricks you can use to conceal them. But what to do if the stretch marks itch?
Many people are familiar with the small tears that can be seen especially on the abdomen, buttocks and chest. The stripes appear due to a strong stretching of the tissue, as in pregnancy, during a strong weight gain or loss or during puberty.
With the help of lasers, oils and creams, the tissue tears can be made less visible. However, the cracks do not only bother you visually. In some cases, the stretch marks can itch.
What is the cause and what can you do about it? We'll tell you here.
Table of contents
How do stretch marks develop?
Scars and cracks that appear under the surface of the skin are called stretch marks. They most often appear on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks and sides of the hips.
The stripes are caused by a decrease in the elasticity of the skin and a thinning of the lower layer of the skin.
Thus, they occur when the skin rapidly expands and overstretches - for example, as a result of
- excessive strength training
- pubertal growth
- strong weight fluctuations
- a pregnancy
- Hormone treatments
- congenital connective tissue weakness
Overstretching can cause lasting damage to the subcutaneous tissue and lead to tears. The fine stretch cracks scar and so-called stretch marks develop. The Stripes are mostly light pink or colored white.
Stretch marks itch: What is the cause?
Stretch marks usually do not itch. However, in pregnant women they can cause itching. This is due to a skin disease that begins in the stretch marks in the last weeks of pregnancy.
The exact reason for this is not yet clear. The stretching of the skin probably damages the connective tissue. Structures form that can trigger an immune reaction with inflammation. This is referred to as polymorphous pregnancy dermatosis (PUPPP).
Polymorphous pregnancy dermatosis occurs exactly when the skin is most overstretched. In addition, the itchy nodules first appear inside the stretch marks.
What are the manifestations of polymorphous pregnancy dermatosis?
The skin disease usually appears in the last weeks of pregnancy. It manifests itself as reddened, itchy stretch marks in which small nodules and lumps can be felt.
The skin changes become more varied over the course of a few weeks. In addition to swollen papules and plaques, additional, mostly scaly or crusty red areas and pinhead-sized blisters now appear.
Mostly, the disease occurs only in the first pregnancy. Only a few are affected in further pregnancies.
When does the itching subside?
The good news: after a good week, the itchy stretch marks will be gone. If you suffer from them for a longer period of time, you will be rid of them after the birth at the latest.
What can you do when stretch marks itch?
Even if the child doesn't feel anything from the PUPPP, you should see a doctor to make sure the itching isn't due to another condition.
Itching that spreads over the whole body in the last trimester of pregnancy may indicate cholostasis in pregnancy. It is sometimes accompanied by nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, whitish stools and jaundice.
In severe cases of PUPPP, the doctor may prescribe soothing shake concoctions or lotions. Do not try to treat yourself, but be sure to see your gynecologist.
When using such creams or mixtures, you should know exactly the advantages and disadvantages of taking them during pregnancy.
How to get rid of stretch marks on the belly!
How can I prevent tissue tears?
Stretch marks are stubborn and hard to remove. Therefore, it is best not to let them appear in the first place. But how can you avoid the tissue tears?
We have a few tips for you:
- Alternating showers
- healthy diet
- Drink a lot
- Sport and exercise
- a well-fitting bra to protect the breast tissue
- Dry brush massages
- Plucking and kneading massages
- Various creams and lotions with the active ingredient alpha-tocopherol
Some of these measures can promote the elasticity of the skin and increase blood circulation.
Our conclusion
You have stretch marks? You are not alone. Almost every woman suffers from them and they are something quite normal. But if your stretch marks itch, it's best to see a doctor to find a suitable treatment option with him.
To browse further:
* Advertising & affiliate links: Our website is financed by advertising and affiliate links. As a partner of linked stores (e.g. Amazon) we earn from qualified sales.
Read more
