How to control stretchmarks
MANY people, especially those who gain weight and lose weight fast get stretch marks on their skins. Sometimes the stretch marks are itchy and cause discomfort.
By Viqué-Ocean Kahinju
MANY people, especially those who gain weight and lose weight fast get stretch marks on their skins. Sometimes the stretch marks are itchy and cause discomfort.
They are also common among women during pregnancy and after childbirth.
Dr John Nsibambi, a dermatologist at Osler Clinic, says healthy skin can gradually be stretched to a certain extent.
But when the body surface area increases in a short time, there is excessive stretching of the skin resulting in the breaking of collagen and elastic present in the dermis.
Protein fibres break or snap, thus some kind of itching may be felt but no pain.
“Along with the breaking of fibres there is dilation of small blood vessels present in the skin, which results in red or black stretch marks,†he says.
He adds that stretch marks on men are just as common as they are on women.
“Although they mostly result from quick weight gain, stretch marks can also develop because of hormonal imbalance. A hormonal imbalance can affect the skin’s natural collagen production and it loses its elasticity,†he says.
Dr Nsibambi says stress, oral contraceptives, and other hormone therapies can exhaust one’s body stores of essential nutrients that are vital for skin health, causing stretch marks. It is wise to see your doctor if you are concerned about the appearance of your skin or if the stretch marks cover large areas of your body.
Dr David Ssali a dermatologist says stretch marks often result of rapid stretching of the skin associated with rapid growth. Puberty, weight gain, pregnancy, or muscle building, explains why the skin gets stretched.
“They occur in the dermis portion of the skin which is the elastic middle layer that helps the skin to retain its shape,†he says.
“Also the scars are most likely to appear in places where large amounts of fat are stored. They can diminish over time if treated appropriately, but will not disappear completely,†he explains.
Florence Ndiwalana, a beautician on Buganda road says, common places to see stretch marks are on the stomach, breasts, upper arms, underarms, back, thighs, hips and buttocks.
“They pose no risk to one’s health but can make one’s skin look terrible,†she says.
Dr Nsibambi asserts that people genetically predisposed to stretch marks will not be able to prevent them, but can control them by:
Daily massage of skin with a good moisturiser can increase blood circulation, which may encourage new tissue formation. “Popular creams include aloe vera, olive oil, cocoa butter, bio oil and shea butter,†says Ndiwalana. Start early with creams, particularly those containing vitamin E or vitamin A. They keep the skin soft and supple to minimise the effects of scarring.
Drink plenty of water. Not only is this important to maintain good overall health, water can help the skin to maintain its elasticity and prevent the formation of stretch marks. Eight glasses of water a day is helpful.
Maintaining a healthy body through exercise also promotes a healthy skin.
Keep your skin in a healthy condition with a diet rich in fruit and vegetables that are full of vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc, and silica.
Usha Panji, a dietician at Luthuli Avenue in Kampala advises, proper diet and nutrition is the top the prevention list of stretch marks. This helps keep weight gain moderate and skin in a healthy state.
Foods that are rich in these vitamins A, E, C and zinc and minerals include fruits and vegetables, fish oils, almonds and other nuts, leafy greens, eggs, beans and fish fillet.
MANY people, especially those who gain weight and lose weight fast get stretch marks on their skins. Sometimes the stretch marks are itchy and cause discomfort.
They are also common among women during pregnancy and after childbirth.
Dr John Nsibambi, a dermatologist at Osler Clinic, says healthy skin can gradually be stretched to a certain extent.
But when the body surface area increases in a short time, there is excessive stretching of the skin resulting in the breaking of collagen and elastic present in the dermis.
Protein fibres break or snap, thus some kind of itching may be felt but no pain.
“Along with the breaking of fibres there is dilation of small blood vessels present in the skin, which results in red or black stretch marks,†he says.
He adds that stretch marks on men are just as common as they are on women.
“Although they mostly result from quick weight gain, stretch marks can also develop because of hormonal imbalance. A hormonal imbalance can affect the skin’s natural collagen production and it loses its elasticity,†he says.
Dr Nsibambi says stress, oral contraceptives, and other hormone therapies can exhaust one’s body stores of essential nutrients that are vital for skin health, causing stretch marks. It is wise to see your doctor if you are concerned about the appearance of your skin or if the stretch marks cover large areas of your body.
Dr David Ssali a dermatologist says stretch marks often result of rapid stretching of the skin associated with rapid growth. Puberty, weight gain, pregnancy, or muscle building, explains why the skin gets stretched.
“They occur in the dermis portion of the skin which is the elastic middle layer that helps the skin to retain its shape,†he says.
“Also the scars are most likely to appear in places where large amounts of fat are stored. They can diminish over time if treated appropriately, but will not disappear completely,†he explains.
Florence Ndiwalana, a beautician on Buganda road says, common places to see stretch marks are on the stomach, breasts, upper arms, underarms, back, thighs, hips and buttocks.
“They pose no risk to one’s health but can make one’s skin look terrible,†she says.
Dr Nsibambi asserts that people genetically predisposed to stretch marks will not be able to prevent them, but can control them by:
Daily massage of skin with a good moisturiser can increase blood circulation, which may encourage new tissue formation. “Popular creams include aloe vera, olive oil, cocoa butter, bio oil and shea butter,†says Ndiwalana. Start early with creams, particularly those containing vitamin E or vitamin A. They keep the skin soft and supple to minimise the effects of scarring.
Drink plenty of water. Not only is this important to maintain good overall health, water can help the skin to maintain its elasticity and prevent the formation of stretch marks. Eight glasses of water a day is helpful.
Maintaining a healthy body through exercise also promotes a healthy skin.
Keep your skin in a healthy condition with a diet rich in fruit and vegetables that are full of vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc, and silica.
Usha Panji, a dietician at Luthuli Avenue in Kampala advises, proper diet and nutrition is the top the prevention list of stretch marks. This helps keep weight gain moderate and skin in a healthy state.
Foods that are rich in these vitamins A, E, C and zinc and minerals include fruits and vegetables, fish oils, almonds and other nuts, leafy greens, eggs, beans and fish fillet.