Read more at http://www.ihealthng.com/2016/09/stretch-marks-causes-and-treatment.html?m=1Stretch marks or striae are lines or bands with an off-color hue caused by stretching of the skin's connective tissues.
Stretch marks usually occur on the belly, breasts, thighs, hips, lower back and buttocks. Though they are not painful, but they can make ones feel depressed.
CAUSES
Stretch marks can be caused by:
*. Rapid weight gain
*. Rapid growth
*. Pregnancy
*. Puberty
*. Bodybuilding
*. Hormone replacement therapy
*. Cortisone level
SYMPTOMS
Stretch marks appears as a reddish or purple lesions depending on the type of body. They usually appear on areas with large amounts of fat and from there spread.
They may atrophy and lose pigmentation and most times they can cause a burning or itching sensation around number affected area.
RISK Factors
Some of the factors that make stretch marks to appear on people include:
*. Genetics
*. Hormone levels
*. Pregnancy at a younger age
*. Higher levels of steroid hormones
*. Using steroid medications
*. Using topical steroid creams
*. Being female
*. Rapid weight gain
*. Undergoing breast enlargement surgery
*. Having Cushing's syndrome (a glandular disorder caused by excessive cortisol)
*. Having marfan's syndrome (an autosomal dominant disease characterized by elongated bones and abnormalities of the eyes and circulatory system)
TREATMENT
Laser therapy
Laser therapy can help improve the appearance of stretch marks and increase collagen production.
Plastic surgery
Surgical procedures like tummy tuck and thigh lift are also recommended as they work by removing excess skin.
Platelet-rich plasma
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy helps to revive skin and increase collagen production.
NOTE: CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THOSE PROCEDURES BEFORE TRYING THEM.

HOME REMEDIES
*. Olive oil: (high in Vitamin E) Rub on the affected area.
*. Egg whites: (protein) Rub on the affected area for the maximum of three times daily.
*. Aloe vera: Rub on the affected area and leave for few minutes (until it's totally absorbed by the skin) then wash off the residue left behind.
*. lemon juice: Rub the juices to the affected area and allow it to dry before washing it off.
*. Potatoes: Rub a thicke potatoes slice on the affected area and allow it to dry. Then wash off with water.

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Visit us and book to see our in-house specialist dermatologists with experience in both African, Caucasian, Asia and sensitive skin conditions.