Having a stretch mark on your stomach might affect your confidence. Hence, it is especially true for women. However, over time it might not be obvious. It can happen during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester of pregnancy. This time is when the skin on the stomach is stretch-out as the baby grows inside. It is good to know that there are available treatments. However, it will not remove it permanently.
Moreover, it is not painful or will cause any harm. However, it can cause stress and low self-esteem for women, especially after giving birth. The following are the causes and risks of having a stretch mark on the stomach.
1. It is a Scar
The skin has its way of healing damages. However, it is also the leading cause of the scar. It can happen when the skin is stretch-out or shrink. These changes can affect the collagen on the skin, causing it to breakdown. The skin will help itself but will also leave a scar. Also, it will leave a dent on the skin when you touch it. Some may also feel like a bump on the skin. Hence, it depends on the location of the scar.
2. Common Signs
Stretch marks on the belly may look differently. Likewise, it will depend on the location, how long you have it, causes, and where it is. Also, the type of skin can affect how it looks like. Some of the looks are:
- Dent lines on the skin
- Red, pink or black streaks
- Light-colored streaks
3. Possible Causes
As explained earlier, it starts from the stretching of the skin. However, the case’s seriousness depends on the stress level of the skin, family history, and level of cortisone in the body. It is a hormone from the adrenal gland that can weaken the elasticity of the skin. Therefore, if you have more of this hormone, there is a higher chance of having stretch marks on the belly.
4. Risks
Typically, the body experiences a lot of changes and growth. Therefore, the skin also stretches to keep up with these changes. The more elastic our skin is, the less likely it will break. Collagen is what makes the skin more elastic. So, one should have more of it in the body to avoid having stretch marks on the tummy.
5. Weight Gain
People who are overweight will likely stretch out their skin. Excess fat on the tummy area will cause the skin to expand. Therefore, it will cause damage to the skin.
6. Puberty
It is the stage when the body experiences a lot of changes and growth. Hence, teenagers may have stretch marks everywhere, but it is normal. Also, it is kind that will fade away as they get older.
7. Pregnancy
A growing baby inside the mother will cause the skin to stretch. Also, change in hormone can make the skin weaker. It is good to know that it will also face away after giving birth. However, it will still leave a noticeable mark.
8. Bodybuilding
Bodybuilders may also suffer from stretch marks on the tummy because of muscle growth. Hence, one can see where there are growing muscles around the stomach.
9. Family History
If you notice stretch marks run on the family, then expect one too. If your mother and other siblings have it, you may also experience it.
Ways to Prevent It
It is true that once there, it is impossible to get rid of it permanently. However, there are steps that you can do to make it less visible. Also, if it bothers you, it is better to talk to your doctor. They will suggest some treatments like creams that contain retinoids.
Moreover, having a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a normal body weight is the best way to stay away from having it. Also, it is best to avoid gaining a lot of weight during pregnancy. It is better to regularly visit your doctor to give recommendations in exercise and meals safe for pregnant mothers.
