The human skin is similar to a rubber that is capable of stretching and going back to its original shape. No matter how much you take care of your skin, it can only handle a certain amount of pressure. Too much stretching could develop scar tissues underneath your skin – a condition called stretch marks. Generally, these marks are harmless. However, there are instances when you might experience painful stretch marks and here’s what you should know about it.

Causes

Stretch marks happen as a result of excessive stretching in your skin such as rapid weight gain, pregnancy, or growth spurt, as discussed above. Aside from this, overuse of corticosteroid pills or creams could also contribute to the formation of these marks.

Stretch marks are generally not painful. Nonetheless, there are cases when stretch marks are accompanied by pain. Some of these causes include:

  • Pruritic urticarial papules (PUPP), also called plaques of pregnancy that comes with red and itchy bumps on top of the marks

  • Contact dermatitis

  • Irritation from allergy

  • Dry skin

The good news is you can do something about these marks to make them less painful. Just keep reading.

Management

Here’s what you can do to stop pain caused by stretch marks.

Aloe Vera

This favorite medicinal plant has cooling effect that could alleviate itch and burning sensation from stretch marks. Just extract the gel from aloe vera leaf and apply the gel directly on the affected areas.

Warm Compress

It helps provide relief and could also help treat the cause of pain like infection. Soak clean cloth in hot water and lay it on top of the affected areas. Let it stay for a few minutes or wait for the cloth to feel cool on your skin. If your skin starts to itch, go for warm or cool water.

Vitamin E Oil

Rubbing vitamin E oil on painful stretch marks not only provides a soothing feeling but also reduces the appearance of these marks. This could also promote healing too, so consider applying it on affected areas.

Adjust Daily Routine

Make sure to wash the area regularly with gentle cleanser, avoid scratching your skin, and wear loose-fitting clothing in cotton material. These simple tricks could provide relief on your skin and minimize irritation associated with painful marks.

Moisturize Regularly

Moisturizing your skin could help in healing dry skin, protect raw areas, and minimize pain associated with stretch marks. In case painful marks are caused by eczema or dry skin, go for lotions specifically designed for these skin conditions. Otherwise, you may use vegetable shortening or coconut oil.

Painkiller or Antihistamine

There are instances when painkillers or antihistamine could help solve this skin issue. Use it for relieving pain, which could also prevent you from scratching. In case you are breastfeeding, make sure to ask your doctor first before taking any form of medication. Your doctor could recommend prescription treatments for stretch marks, such as topical ointment that could work on your skin.

Aside from the treatment available, the good news is you can do something to prevent stretch marks from even forming. Check out the next section to find out how you can stop these marks from taking a toll in your body.

Prevention

They say prevention is always better than cure. That’s true. Stretch marks, painful or not, may not be a sign of something serious, but it could affect your overall confidence and the way you perceive yourself. Thankfully, there are various ways to prevent this condition from happening. Here’s what you can do:

Water is key

Nothing beats hydration when it comes to stretch marks prevention. Water not only keeps your skin hydrated but also maintains your skin’s suppleness and elasticity, which makes it less prone to tearing. If you can, drink at least two liters everyday. Have a water tracker and set your alarm to remind you of how many glasses you need to drink. Don’t forget to drink a glass-full before, during, and after meals.

Moisturize regularly

Ensuring your skin’s hydration from within is important to keep you hydrate. Still, keeping your skin hydrated from the outside is equally important to prevent stretch marks from forming. Therefore, moisturize your skin regularly. You can always go for lotions specifically designed for your skin type or try making your own oil blends. For starters, mix one cup each of coconut oil and olive oil, four tablespoons vitamin E oil, and six vitamin A capsules well. Massage on your skin regularly.

Eat a healthy diet

Healthy, natural foods do more than just keeping you healthy. They also nourish your skin and help regenerate connective tissues to minimize the appearance of painful stretch marks. Foods rich in zinc and silica also help produce collagen and aid in collagen synthesis. Therefore, include as many healthy foods as you can like berries, carrots, citrus fruits, leafy greens, and beans in your diet.

Don’t forget your vitamin E

Vitamin E is considered as skin vitamin for a reason. It is a powerful antioxidant that protects your skin’s collagen fibers against free radicals. It keeps your skin elastic and maintains strength in collagen fibers to prevent stretch marks from forming.

Watch your weight

Extreme weight gain or weight loss could lead to stretch marks. This is because your skin can only handle certain amount of pressure and anything in extremes could affect your skin’s structure. So take it easy on your weight loss goals.

With this in mind, are you ready to say goodbye to painful stretch marks on your skin? Be patient and they will be gone eventually.

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