Extreme weight gain or loss or rapid growth of the skin during pregnancy can stretch the skin. This can play havoc on the surface of the skin, as it does not have the ability to withstand the stretching. As a result, the skin gets stretch marks, which are striae or a kind of scarring. In the beginning, the marks start as slightly purplish or reddish lines, later they become shiny, and look like white or silver in color.

Stretch marks, resulting from very fast stretching of the surface of the skin, are normally connected with pregnancy. These dark lines may also appear on the skin of children who have gained weight all of a sudden and even on diabetics. According to NLM or U.S. National Library of Medicine stretch marks may look like ridges with indentations on the skin and sometimes even resemble scars. The most common parts of the body where these occur are hips, thighs, abdomen, breasts, buttocks, and the sides. Long-time usage certain medications like cortisone skin creams can also result in the marks.

Stretch marks can be found on the middle elastic layer of skin, known as dermis. This layer is responsible for retaining the shape of the skin but when it is continuously stretched it tears to form those stretch marks. Having stretch marks does not mean the end of the world. Those suffering from this problem can do various things to prevent and tackle stretch marks. Today numerous options are available for treating them. The results of the treatment depend on the person’s skin tone, diet, and age.

Various surgical methods like laser surgery, chemical peels, and dermabrasion are used today, to get rid of unwanted marks on the skin. Exercise and diet are also very important for the treatment of the marks. Regular exercises can combat the problem. One should also drink lots of water on a daily basis. Sufficient hydration is essential to keep the skin supple and less prone to stretch marks.

Caffeine can raise the chances of a person getting the marks. Those who are addicted to caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea, should moderate their rates of consumption, reducing them to 1 or 2 cups a day. Balance these drinks with plenty of water. Those who do not follow a balanced diet can also get stretch marks due to deficiency of various nutrients. It is thus a good idea to consume food that is rich in zinc, vitamins C and A, and protein. These nutrients can be found in fish, nuts, citrus fruits, carrots, milk, and eggs.

Different sorts of over-the-counter creams and lotions are available for treating stretch marks. One can consult a doctor before using one. Pregnant women should be cautious, choose products that do not have any side effects, and use them prior to pregnancy as a preventive measure. One such cream known as Stretta by Zenmed® is very gentle but effective for the treatment of the marks. It works by removing the dead skin cells on outermost layer of the skin and nourishes it for healthy and mark-free skin.