Stretch Marks on Back

Stretch marks on the back is common among men who are approaching adulthood. This is a part of the normal growth process. It occurs as a result of excessive stretching of the skin as they are growing up fast at this stage. Men of matured age can get such marks too. Body builders and weightlifters can also get stretch marks on the back as they gain weight very rapidly. When these marks appear, they look like red horizontal lines. Later, the color of the marks gets faded and turn into white or gray color. There is nothing to fear if you see horizontal stretch marks on back, because it does not pose any threat to your health nor is a sign of any disease.

Causes

Some men are more prone to get stretch marks than others. There are several causes that can lead to appearance of the marks on the back. When a young adult male is growing taller and wider, the body is often unable to adjust itself with the pace of the rapid growth. As a result, the fibers in the dermis or middle layer of the skin become overstretched and thin and breaks up. The torn fibers of the inner layer of the skin appear as stretch marks on the skin.

Some researchers believe that the increase in the levels of hormone glucocorticoids is responsible for causing stretch marks on the back. This hormone is released by adrenal glands and its level becomes higher during puberty and with obesity. The hormone prevents production of collagen and elastin fibers which is essential to stretch the growing skin. when the tissue get stretched it is more prone to tear and hence such marks appear.

Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder which can cause stretch marks on back. This disease make the connective tissue of the body defective. As a result, it fail to support the growth of the body. It can happen even if the weight of the person does not change. These marks can come at any age.

How to Remove Stretch Marks

The sight of stretch marks is not very pleasing to the eyes, hence, people want to get rid of these ugly marks. Creams and lotions are popularly used for removing such marks. Opt for such lotions or creams that contain cocoa butter or Shea butter, jojoba oil or Castor oil. These ingredients increase the vitamins and minerals on the skin that are required to heal up the skin. Dry skin is less elastic as compared to oily skin and hence is prone to stretch marks. Such products make the skin elastic and healthy which is proved to be beneficial in reducing the marks.

Proper exfoliation of the area affected by stretch marks using a loofah is helpful in this regard. If the marks are minor, then they can be reduced with tanning. Massage of the area and hot bath are two other options useful remedies.

When these non-surgical methods fail to show the desired results, then you have to think of the surgical options. There are several surgical procedures for the removal of stretch marks on the back. Laser surgery is the most widely used method among them. It involves removal of affected top layer of the scar tissue using the laser so that a new skin can grow and replace it. Like any other surgery, this can lead to several complications and the success rate depends on the size and age of the marks. Therefore have a detailed discussion with your surgeon before you avail for this option.

In order to remove ugly stretch marks, you have to give special attention to your diet. You have to include those foods that are rich in vitamins like vitamin A, C and E and also some food that have high content of proteins. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking a lot of water throughout the day. After consulting a doctor you can take some vitamin supplements too which can improve the strength and elasticity of the skin.