Turinys
During the period of bearing a child, changes occur in the body of a woman. Most of them are aimed at the normal course of pregnancy and childbirth. But there are also less pleasant consequences, such as stretch marks. Stretch marks on the abdomen appear under the influence of a sharp weight gain, pressure on the skin and hormonal fluctuations. Getting rid of furrows on the skin is quite difficult, so it is better to prevent them.
Symptoms and causes of stretch marks
Expressed striae is a type of scarring of the skin, in which connective tissue is formed without melanin. They appear from overstretching of the skin, this happens during weight gain and during the period of active growth in adolescents. In pregnant women, stretch marks on the anterior abdominal wall almost always appear, since the pressure and stretching of the abdominal skin is exceeded. The appearance of stretch marks is also affected by the hormonal background, which changes during the bearing of the child.
Under the influence of the hormones progesterone and corticosteroids, the skin loses its elasticity, the upper layers of the dermis become thinner. Because of this, under ever-increasing pressure, internal tears form: collagen and elastin fibers lengthen and then break. In addition to the pressure due to the growth of the abdomen, the hypersecretion of cortisol, which often occurs during pregnancy, matters. Cortisol inhibits the production of elastin, so an excess of it makes the skin more prone to stretch marks.
At the time of the formation of tears, the skin begins to itch, so if the skin in the abdomen itches, this is the first symptom of stretch marks. In the place of internal tears, connective tissue is formed, it contains a network of blood vessels. For the first time after the appearance of striae, longitudinal furrows of scarlet, purple or blue color are visible on the body. Over time, the vessels narrow, the skin in these areas is poorly supplied with blood, so the reddish tint goes away. There is no pigment in the connective tissue, which makes stretch marks appear lighter than the underlying skin tone and do not change color during tanning.
In places where striae have formed, there is no sweating, hair does not grow, this is a kind of dead skin area. They do not go away on their own, so cardinal treatment is used. For women who are expecting a baby, it is important to start prophylaxis in the first months of gestation.
Treatment of postpartum stretch marks
To eliminate new and old furrows on the body, a part of the upper layer of the skin is removed, which is restored over time. Used against stretch marks:
- Lazerinis paviršiaus padengimas;
- microdermabrasion;
- krioterapija;
- middle peels.
In addition to peeling, injections help: oxygen-ozone therapy, allopathic therapy, mesotherapy. To increase the elasticity of the skin, homeopathic preparations are used to restore collagen and elastin. You can take them after tests with the permission of an obstetrician-gynecologist.
At home, abrasive products are also used. Scrubs and homemade peels are prepared on the basis of coffee, honey, salt and sugar with the addition of oils. Such procedures cannot completely get rid of the problem, but they work well in complex therapy. At home, women can only achieve a superficial effect, so folk remedies for removing stretch marks on the abdomen help in the early stages. When the stretch marks are still reddish, they are easier to get rid of. Old skin defects require an integrated approach and the help of a specialist.
Prevention of postpartum stretch marks
It is not difficult for a pregnant woman to foresee the appearance of stretch marks. Therefore, even before they appear, you can prevent them or at least reduce this probability. It is necessary to start the prevention of stretch marks as early as possible, it is better – even before the onset of pregnancy. Furrows and sagging skin are less likely to occur in women who play sports and pump the press. To increase elasticity, you need to nourish the body well.
Cosmetics for the prevention of stretch marks should contain hyaluronic acid, panthenol, vitamin E. These components retain moisture in the layers of the dermis, increase skin tone and elasticity. Apply creams, lotions and gels every day, applying them all over the body. Of the natural oils, olive oil, grape seed oil and cocoa are the best to increase elasticity. Scrub and peeling should be used very carefully before the appearance of stretch marks, as they can further deplete the skin.
Reduces the risk of skin defects massage and contrast showers. During pregnancy, they can be carried out after the permission of the doctor. If there are no contraindications, a contrast shower should be taken several times a week or every day – as desired. The main thing is that the difference in water temperature should be low, from warm to slightly colder. During bathing, you can use a washcloth for additional massage. Such procedures improve blood circulation and increase overall tone.
Proper nutrition and light physical activity will help maintain healthy skin. Among the products it is useful to choose those that contain vitamins E and A, as well as silicon and zinc. These are: cereals, wheat bran, liver, veal, carrots, red pepper. Hiking, aerobics and yoga for pregnant women are suitable as physical education. Do not forget that not all methods of treatment and prevention can be carried out during lactation. Before you start fighting stretch marks, consult with an obstetrician-gynecologist.