Video
Dr Pixie:
A surprising amount of you had questions about stretch marks, and a lot of you were asking, what causes stretch marks? Stretch marks are caused by stretching of the middle layer of skin that we call the dermis. Now, why do some people get more stretch marks than others? Well, some people are predisposed to stretch marks; also, people who gain weight excessively or lose weight really really quickly are predisposed to stretch marks. In addition to this, people who have specific medical conditions or take drugs such as steroids are also far more likely to get stretch marks.
Lots of you have posed the question, can you actually prevent stretch marks from forming in the first place? There isn’t really anything that you can eat or take that will prevent stretch marks forming. The best thing that you can do is be very careful about weight gain or weight loss.
You also wondered, well, were there any treatments for stretch marks? What’s effective? There are loads of potions and creams that you can buy, which can be somewhat effective in treating stretch marks, but the truth is, there isn’t really a cure. A lot of you asked about mesotherapy, which we featured in the show. Mesotherapy is a treatment whereby a doctor injects amino acids and vitamins and other medicines into the stretch mark, promoting the dermis to heal and improving the appearance of the stretch mark. Of course, like all other treatments, it isn’t 100% curative, but it can, in some cases, improve the appearance.
With regard to stretch marks, your doctor isn’t going to be able to cure you. However, if you’re really worried and your stretch marks have cropped up for no apparent reason, do seek some advice.
Doctor Responses: Stretch Marks
Dr Pixie answers your most frequently asked questions about stretch marks such as: What causes them? How can you prevent it? What is Mesotherapy?
With thanks to the Baker Street Medical Centre
If you are worried that your child may be obese or has a lot of stretch marks, check our guides for parents on Embarrassing Bodies: Kids website.
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Hi, I'm 13 and have really dark purple stretch marks going from in-between my legs/groin to my upper-thighs. They've suddenly appeared, for no known reason. I've not lost, or gained, any great amounts of weight, and my parents are very concerned, and would like to know if they should consult a doctor.
they will never go and there are many people and companies who will claim they can cure it which is totally wrong and misleading its just an unfortunate thing you have to live with the best you can hope for is when they fade to a much lighter white colour.
hi i am 15 and i have stretch marks on my hips and inner thighs, i just want to get rid of them before the summer because i always have them hiding !! please help me what good creams do you no of that can help them fade ??
I am 21 and have had stretch marks since i was 15 they are red and some purple and very embarrassing when being intimate with a male! I have them on my thighs inside and out my hips my legs my boobs and stomach i have no children n im a comfortable size 12! I have tried bio oil which never helps and cant afford lazer treatment! What else is there to try?? why have i got these??
hi im 13 years old and i have strechmarks since i was 11 im trying out some creams and pruducts but do you know any useful ones and do you think thell fade away
Im 19 and i have had stretch marks since i was about 15/16.its totally ruining my life.i cant go swimming anymore,i cant wear dresses becuase i just feel like everyones looking at me. i have tryed lots of creams but nothing seems to be helping,they are all over my thighs and hips. please help me.
im 13 and i have stretch marks on my bottom there is no reason for this so please help me xx
i am 27 have 3 kids at the age of 3,6.9 with my first child i got stretch marks on my tummy and lots of extra skin i am ashamed to go to the doctors what help can i get.
hi i am 26 and have a child who is 5,this last year i have got a varicose vein in my lower leg it seems to of got bigger and turned in to lumps, went the doctors he just said that it was a small varicose vein but since then its got worse and i feel really down about my legs im 26 and dont feel like i can show my legs at all please help thx
i havent lost or gained weight recently but i have strech marks around by boobs, i dont know why they are there. i use bio-oil but ive been useing it for about 2 weeks now but it hasnt made a difference. i want them to go is there any other ways i can get them to go?
