Stretch mark on arm: Symptoms, Causes & Treatments

It’s quite natural to develop stretch marks on certain parts of the body and arm, such as the abdomen, breasts, hips, and buttocks. During pregnancy, women usually experience these indented streaks in their last trimester. The good news is that they don’t cause any harm or discomfort and often disappear over time. Although most people don’t mind them aesthetically, some find them to be unsightly.

Stretch marks are not limited to only puberty, weight gain, and pregnancy. Even athletes, especially bodybuilders have noticed stretch mark on their arms, shoulders, and legs.

Stretch marks will eventually fade away but there is no guarantee that they will completely disappear. There are treatments available to help lessen the appearance of stretch marks, however, it is not mandatory to do so, and with or without these treatments, the marks will eventually improve.

Symptoms of Stretch mark on the arm

Stretch marks on the arm can appear in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors depending on how long you’ve had them, what caused them, where on your body they are located, or your skin type. Popular types of stretch marks include:

Descriptive lines or stripes found on one’s abdomen, breasts, hips, buttocks, and other areas of the body may be indentations.

Hair featuring vibrant streaks of pink, red, black, blue, or purple can instantly add a pop of color and style to any look.

Brilliant rays of light slowly dim to a softer tone.

Visible lines of discoloration on the skin, make up extensive areas of the body.

Causes

Stretch marks are caused when the skin stretches to accommodate physical growth, and their severity can be attributed to several factors, such as genetics and how much strain has been put on the skin. Not just age, but the cortisol hormone secreted by the adrenal glands can be a factor when it comes to skin elasticity. This hormone is known to weaken fibers in the skin which contributes to laxity.

Possibilities for the stretch mark on your arm could include:

• Rapid growth during puberty
• Athletes and bodybuilders are quickly building muscle strength and size through rigorous training methods.
• Obesity

Stretch marks can also arise due to other factors like pregnancy and illnesses that affect the adrenal glands, such as:

• Cushing syndrome
• Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
• Marfan syndrome
• scleroderma

Can we Treat the stretch mark on my arm at home?

Stretch marks can be diminished or even removed in some cases when the cause of the stretching is reduced. To help with this process, there are certain measures you can take such as:

Corticosteroids Creams

Corticosteroids in any form – cream, lotion, or pills can be detrimental to your skin’s elasticity, thus increasing the risk of getting stretch marks. Therefore, it is advisable to stay away from them.

Diet

Eating the right kind of food can help you maintain the health of your skin, thus reducing the chances of getting a stretch mark on your arm. Having a balanced and healthy diet that is rich in vitamins (especially vitamins C, E, zinc & silicon) for the prevention of stretch marks.

Hydration

Ensuring you get your eight glasses of water each day is essential for maintaining your health. Maintaining a hydrated body can make sure your skin stays flexible and supple, as well as providing several other benefits.

Oils

Home remedies to minimize stretch mark on the arm often includes oils. Massaging them with natural plant oils such as coconut, olive, and almond oil.

According to a study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology in 2015, olive oil and cocoa butter don’t appear to have any beneficial or detrimental effects on the skin.

There is still some debate amongst researchers as to what exactly is the cause behind the beneficial effects of massage with oil.

Treatments for stretch marks on the arm

If you want to reduce or even eliminate stretch marks on your arm, various treatments are available. Keep in mind though that not one of them can guarantee 100% results. The possible treatments include:

• Laser therapy is a widely used technique to help repair and regenerate skin cells. It won’t necessarily reduce the size of all stretch marks, but it can soften, flatten and fade them significantly, making them less obvious. Comprehensive treatment is generally completed over several weeks, with up to 20 separate sessions.
• A 2018 study published in Dermatological Surgery suggests that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections can improve collagen and reduce the visibility of stretch marks. Furthermore, it was found that PRP is more effective than tretinoin when it comes to reducing stretch marks.
• Microneedling is a skincare process that employs tiny needles to puncture the top layer of the skin. This results in the stimulation of elastin and collagen production. For full treatment, up to six sittings for six months are necessery.
• Microdermabrasion is a process that employs an abrasive instrument to buff the surface layer of your skin. A study conducted in 2014 revealed it to be just as effective as tretinoin cream on the stretch mark on the arm.

Risks

Although stretch marks on arm can happen to anyone, certain factors can increase the chances of getting them such as:

• Female
• A personal or family history of stretch marks can play a role.
• Pregnancy at a younger age
• Rapid growth in adolescence
• Fluctuations in weight, whether it be rapid weight gain or loss, can have significant health consequences.
• Using corticosteroids
• Choosing to undergo a breast augmentation procedure
• Exercising and using anabolic steroids.

Takeaway

It’s quite common to have stretch marks on the arms, but they can be a source of discomfort or insecurity. If this is something that applies to you, there are numerous treatments available to help improve your appearance. Be aware though that it’s unlikely the stretch marks will completely go away.

Before making a decision, consult with your physician to fully comprehend the potential outcomes and side effects of all the potential treatments for stretch marks. This way, you can make an informed choice.

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