Most people who have stretch marks will tell you that they are itchy. While the itchiness is most likely due to the skin stretching and the resulting inflammation, there may be other factors at play.
For instance, some research suggests that Stretch marks may be itchy because of the way they affect the skin’s barrier function. The skin’s barrier function is what helps keep moisture in and irritants out. When the skin’s barrier is damaged, it can lead to dryness, which can make the skin more susceptible to itchiness.
Why Are Stretch Marks Itchy?
Identifying Itchy Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are lines that range in color from white to red and appear on the abdomen, hips, thighs, and other body parts. In addition to their appearance, stretch marks can cause severe itching, which is more common in the early stages of pregnancy and other weight fluctuations.
Stretch marks can appear anywhere on the body, but they’re more likely to appear in areas where you’ve gained a significant amount of weight quickly. This includes weight gain caused by pregnancy as well as non-pregnancy-related factors such as puberty.
Stretch marks do not pose a health risk. Prior to treating the itching, it is critical to correctly identify the stretch marks.
Causes Of Itchy Stretch Mark
Stretch marks are the result of the dermis, the layer beneath the epidermis, tearing as the skin stretches. Stretch marks are caused by this tearing, which allows the layer beneath the dermis to fill in.
This occurs when you gain a significant amount of weight in a short period of time and your skin is forced to compensate. Weight gain can occur as a result of pregnancy, puberty, or certain medical conditions.
At first, new stretch marks appear pink, red, or purple. New stretch marks are also more prone to itch. Stretch marks may fade to a white color as they heal. Stretch marks typically run vertically along the length of your body, but they can also run horizontally.
Itchy skin is a natural part of the healing process. Your nerves produce itchy sensations in response to dermal tearing. This is also why your stretch marks may itch after you’ve lost weight.
Pregnancy And Itchy Stretch Marks
Pregnancy can cause rapid weight gain in some women, particularly in the hip, thigh, and abdominal areas. Stretch marks in these areas are more prevalent in some women and may itch during the healing process.
Additionally, the itching could be due to something other than pregnancy stretch marks. Certain pregnant women develop a rash known as pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP). In some cases, PUPPP can form directly on top of stretch marks, causing severe itching.
Stretch Marks In The Absence Of Pregnancy
Other factors may play a role in the development of itchy stretch marks. Stretch marks can occur in anyone who loses or gains weight, but they are more likely to occur if you do the following:
- are females
- get stretch marks due to a genetic predisposition
- Weight training causes rapid gains in muscle mass
- to have a tendency to gain or lose weight quickly
- They are going through puberty.
- skin thinned and stretched by topical corticosteroid use, such as the regular application of hydrocortisone to the skin
Stretch marks can also be caused by non-pregnancy-related medical conditions. Among them are the following:
- Obesity or excess weight
- On a regular basis, hormone levels fluctuate
- Cushing’s syndrome is a condition in which the body produces excessive amounts of cortisol.
- Marfan’s syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects individuals.
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a subtype of the condition.
Itching may occur on-site as stretch marks develop and heal as a result of any of the causes and risk factors listed above. Additionally, watch for signs of dry skin, which can irritate your stretch marks.
Elimination Of Itching
If you want to get rid of itchy stretch marks, it’s critical to treat the underlying itchiness. Scratching can increase your vulnerability to cuts and infections. Rather than that, try one of these at-home remedies to alleviate itching.
Cocoa Butter
This is one home remedy that is especially beneficial for the skin of pregnant women. The thick, ultra-moisturizing cream hydrates and soothes your skin while also helping to alleviate itching.
Topical Creams, Lotions, And Other Preparations
A moisturizer, as well as topical corticosteroids or antihistamines, may help alleviate PUPPP-induced itching. However, do not exceed the recommended dose of the corticosteroid, as this can result in skin thinning and an increased risk of future stretch marks.
From the comfort of your own home, purchase a moisturizer.
Coconut Oil and Vitamin E
Capsules and creams containing vitamin E, as well as coconut oil, may help alleviate itching. Other plant-based oils, such as almond and olive oils, can also help with stretch mark itching. If your skin is oily, substitute jojoba oil. It may assist in reducing the amount of oil produced by your skin.
On the internet, look for vitamin E products.
Utilize Frequently And Promptly
Utilize whatever home remedy you choose as soon as possible and as frequently as possible for the best results. Any home remedy for stretch marks may take several days, if not weeks, to work. By massaging a product into your skin, you can increase its effectiveness. Continue with your treatment plan until all signs and symptoms of itchy stretch marks are gone.
Additionally, there are professional-grade procedures for stretch mark reduction that are typically performed by a dermatologist. There are numerous options, including laser therapy, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels. Consult a dermatologist for additional information on these options.
Prevention
You can help prevent itchiness by properly moisturizing your stretch marks and surrounding skin. Consuming plenty of water on a daily basis can also help to hydrate the skin and alleviate itching.
While it is nearly impossible to avoid weight fluctuations throughout a lifetime, you can control some of the factors that contribute to rapid weight gains, such as steroid use or a sedentary lifestyle.
Maintaining annual health examinations will also enable your doctor to rule out any underlying causes of rapid weight gain that could be treated effectively with prompt treatment.
Final Thoughts
Itchy stretch marks are a common occurrence during pregnancy, but they can also show up due to other causes.
Home remedies like cocoa butter, coconut oil, and vitamin E may help to relieve the itchiness. Be sure to use these treatments early and often for the best results.
If your itchy stretch marks don’t improve with home remedies, you may want to consider seeing a dermatologist for other possible treatments.
