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Steroid Induced Stretch Marks: What Is It?

About

Stretch marks are scars or disfiguring lesions appears as long, narrow streaks, stripes, or lines that develop on the skin.

About 75% of the pregnant women and 25% of adult people above the age of 60 may get affected by stretch marks. [1]

- Usually self-diagnosable by skin examination
- Often resolves within months/years
- Common in pregnant women
- Treatable by a medical professional
They can occur on various body parts including the stomach, thighs, hips, breasts, upper arms, and lower back. The consumption of a higher dose of steroids can cause stretch marks. Both men and women can develop stretch marks. But, pregnancy and puberty are the two most common reasons for developing stretch marks.

Signs and Symptoms: Initially, these stretch marks develop as wrinkly, raised streaks that can be red, purple, pink, reddish-brown or dark brown, depending on skin color and may also feel irritated or itchy.

Self-diagnosable: Stretch marks are not harmful and do not cause medical illness. In a few cases, they may indicate an underlying medical fault that requires treatment or monitoring.

Treatment

Prevention and Lifestyle changes: The following steps may help to reduce the risk developing stretch marks:
- Maintain a healthy weight and avoid dieting
- Drink eight glasses of water every day
- Consume a balanced diet rich in Vitamins A and C/ Minerals zinc and silicon
- Regular massage with essential oils
- Avoid long-term corticosteroid usage

Medicines: Creams, gels, lotions, and cosmetic surgery have little medical evidence to support the effectiveness.
Specialists: You may be referred to a dermatologist or skin specialist. You will receive excellent service for your health at mfine.