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Stretch marks are the result of tiny tears in the skin, and are basically scars. When skin is stretched very rapidly - as a result of rapid weight gain or pregnancy - the dermis and epidermis develop tiny tears. At this time, the stretch marks appear as tiny reddish or purplish lines.
When these tears eventually heal, they form the whitish scars that are recognized as stretch marks.
Stretch marks are harmless - the tears in the skin do not cause any permanent damage. However, most people are bothered by their appearance, especially if the marks are particularly extensive and prominent.
This usually happens only with unusually rapid weight gain (this does not necessarily mean fat - rapidly bulking up on muscle can also cause stretch marks), but sometimes even pregnancy can cause rather severe stretch marks.
Unfortunately, just like any other scars, stretch marks are extremely difficult to get rid of. Treatments that are recommended include applying vitamin E oil to the stretch marks, and massaging the affected areas with cocoa butter. These treatments should be applied at least twice a day. You can also apply aloe gel to your stretch marks, preferably using fresh gel that has been taken from an aloe plant. There is as yet no conclusive evidence to show that these remedies work, but there is certainly no harm in them, and it is a fact that they are generally good for your skin. Even if they do work however, you should understand that they will take a long time - you will need to follow this regimen daily for up to a year before the stretch marks disappear. If after a year you find that the stretch marks are as bad as they are right now, you may want to consider procedures such as laser treatment or dermabrasion to get rid of them.
The best time to fight stretch marks is before they even appear. Right now of course it is too late for you, but if you are planning another pregnancy, you can take a few precautions to prevent the formation of stretch marks the next time. The treatments to prevent stretch marks are essentially the same as those that are used to get rid of stretch marks, but the effects are much better. You should start applying vitamin E oil, cocoa butter, and aloe gel daily, right from the start of your pregnancy and even in the months following your delivery.
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