Striae are irregular areas of skin that
look like bands, stripes, or lines. Striae are seen when a person grows
or gains weight rapidly or has certain diseases or conditions. Striae
are commonly called stretch marks. Stretch marks can appear when there
is rapid stretching of the skin.
They are often associated with the abdominal enlargement of pregnancy.
They can be found in children who have become rapidly obese. They may
also occur during the rapid growth of puberty in males and females.
Striae are most commonly located on the breasts, hips, thighs, buttocks,
abdomen, and flank.
Stretch marks appear as parallel streaks of
red, thinned, glossy skin that over time become whitish and scar-like in
appearance. The stretch marks may be slightly depressed and have a
different texture than normal skin.Striae may also occur as a
result of abnormal collagen formation, or a result of medications or
chemicals that interfere with collagen formation. They may also be
associated with longtime use of cortisone compounds, diabetes, Cushing's disease, and post-pregnancy.
There is no specific care for stretch marks. Marks often will disappear
after the cause of the skin stretching is gone. Creams and ointments
that claim to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy are of little
value.
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| Stretch marks outlined in pen - LINK |
I never really cared about stretch marks. I never found them attractive or unattractive.I was just neutral. But the close-up black and white photo scared me for some reason. Just the texture made me cringe. The ones you posted are mostly extreme cases and they look very painful (?). Interesting blog and content as usual!
ReplyDeleteAnd suddenly I don't feel so self conscious about my stretch marks.
ReplyDeleteI never thought it could be that severe. Could this happen to just about anyone?
ReplyDeletei thought mine were bad...
ReplyDeleteam i the only one who find these fascinating? stretch marks look so fucking cool. each one is different.
ReplyDeletethese are incredible, especially the second-to-last one! before now i didn't realize how cool stretch marks could look. they're sort of horrifyingly hypnotizing.
ReplyDeleteThe black and white picture seriously made me grit my teeth. I have stretch marks and they aren't a big deal to me but that photo and the one below of the lady who just had twins...I mean, wow.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful <3
ReplyDeleteThe black and white, 2nd from last one honestly amazes me. The marks look like they should be bandaged, not openly exposed. Maybe it's the B&W, but there appear to be wholesale spaces and open holes there, and the scar tissue looks only partially formed, especially in the lower left corner. I would love to see more from this person, close-ups, in color... it's truly fascinating.
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ReplyDeleteTo me, stretch marks are a sign that you've gone through something and survived it. I know I'm going to get quite a few as I'm losing weight, but to me they will signify the fact I went through emotional abuse as a child and ended up being fat and overweight. Now that I lose the fat the stretch marks become the physical version of the emotional scars that I have gained through being bullied and abused at home.
ReplyDeleteI will cherish and honor my stretch marks as a sign of strength and survival.
Some of the more extreme cases are caused by Cushing's Disease (9th, 10th. 11th and last pictures). Extended use of Steroids (such as Prednisone-used by people with Cushing's or asthmatics) weaken the middle layer of skin which can cause the extreme stretch marks. I was on extended Prednisone in 2009 and got quite a few on the sides of my stomach. Even after laser "removal" they are just as red and angry looking as ever. If you get stretch marks you need to learn to live with them I am afraid....
ReplyDeletei love stretch marks on a girls belly
ReplyDelete