We tend to think of stretch marks as something that affect women much more that men but that is just not true. Men are just as likely to get stretch marks as women. It is just that men's stretch marks tend to be covered by hair so are less obvious.
Even though the skin is amazingly flexible and adaptable it does get to a point where it can no longer stretch any more without showing the signs of wear and tear. Stretch marks occur when skin stretches suddenly. The dermis (inner layer of skin) gets thinner as it stretches and tears. These small tears mean you can see the blood vessels and that is what gives stretch marks their pinky red color. After a period of time the blood vessels contract and the stretch marks get a silvery appearance.
Also known as striae, stretch marks are not harmful. Some men do not seem to be predisposed to getting stretch marks. Doctors think that is because their bodies overproduce a hormone called corticosteroid. This decreases the amount of collagen a protein in the skin fibers that keep it stretchy.
Causes of Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are common in:
The same principle of weight gain applies to women during pregnancy and that is why up to 70% of pregnant women get stretch marks.
Straie (stretch marks) can also occur as a result of disease. These diseases include Cushing's Syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, over use of steroid hormones, and sometimes in diabetes.
Treatments for Stretch Marks
You will need to consult your doctor. Although there are over the counter cosmetic products available many of them have minimal or no effect.
Tretinoin creams used to treat acne have also be found to be effective for stretch marks. It works by lightening the skin, replacing older skin with newer skin, and by slowing down the way the body removes skin cells that may have been harmed by sun light.
Dermabrasion, and laser treatment by qualified cosmetic surgeons can improve color and skin texture and help with severe unsightly stretch marks.
Stretch marks can have a profound effect on men's behavior and self confidence so it is important to explore treatment options if you feel embarrassed or are worried by yours
Prevention of Stretch Marks
There are some things that may help prevent stretch marks, although things like rapid growth in teenage years is obviously unavoidable.
Try to avoid rapid skin stretching that occurs with weight loss and weight gain with sensible dieting.
