Stretch marks

Stretch marks

DEFINITION
Stretch Marks appear as red, purple or white strips on the
skin which emerge when part of the body expands or reduces in size
more quickly than the skin which covers it e.g., during
pregnancy.
DESCRIPTION
Stretch Marks occur when connective tissue under the skin
ruptures as the result of the abdomen increasing in size. In
pregnancy, Stretch Marks most commonly appear on the lower abdomen,
although they may appear on the breasts and thighs.
Stretch Marks begin as reddish or pink marks, but fade to a a
white colour within about 6 months after delivery of your
baby.
Stretch Marks develop in more than 90% of women who are
pregnant, usually in the sixth and seventh months of
pregnancy.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Always consult your Doctor for diagnosis and advice. In no way
is this information intended to replace the advice of a registered
medical practitioner.
There are products that can be applied to the abdomen or other
areas that might be affected by Stretch Marks during pregnancy.
There are also products that can be used to fade the Stretch Marks,
although some silvery/whitish discolouration will remain.
DIET HINTS
  • Ensure that your diet contains enough zinc. Zinc is involved in
    the formation of collagen, whioch supports connective tissue. Good
    sources of zinc are oysters (highest level in foods), herring,
    kelp, seafood, beef, liver, wheat germ, rolled oats porridge,
    ginger, pumpkin seeds and yeast. 
  • Essential fatty acids are important for healthy skin. Good
    sources of essential fatty acids are fish oils, evening primrose
    oil and flaxseed oil.
  • Vitamin E is important for healthy skin. Foods that are rich in
    vitamin E include vegetable oils and seed oils, including soybean,
    safflower and corn oils; sunflower seeds; nuts; whole grains and
    wheat germ.
PHARMACIST’S ADVICE
Ask your Pharmacist for advice.
  1. Products containing cocoa butter, vitamin E, collagen and/or
    elastin can moisturise, soften and increase skin’s
    elasticity. 
  2. Aloe vera, lanolin oil, almond oil, cocoa butter or vitamin E
    lotions or gels can be massaged into the abdomen and breasts twice
    a day to help prevent Stretch Marks.