Is stretch mark a scar?
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| Is stretch mark a scar? |
@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan | health blog
When a stretch mark is examined under a microscope, it resembles the appearance of a scar. This is owing to the fact that stretch mark (aka. striae) is indeed a type of dermal scar.
Being a scar, a stretch mark is permanent although it may fade in color as time goes by. However, besides it's obvious cosmetic problem, it's presence should not be a cause of medical or health concern.
A stretch mark results when there is a sudden pulling, stretching, or shrinking of the skin such is the case when a person undergoes profound weight gain or reduction, seen especially during puberty and pregnancy. These instances damages the supporting structures of the skin, namely collagen and elastin, which leads to scarring as it heals.
Collagen is one of the key structure to maintain the integrity of the skin. Cases in which the collagen content if the skin is depleted such as among people who use corticosteroids over a long period of time have a considerably higher chance of developing stretch marks.
In spite the fact that a stretch mark is there forever, it tends to lighten in color although it may be quite lengthy. A typical stretch mark initially emerge as a raised pink, red, brown, or purple narrow slim streaks on the skin but as years go by, these usually fades into flat white lines. Furthermore, stretch marks don't darken in color when you tan your skin.
