Hormonal explosion
The main reason why stretch marks appear in teenagers is hormones. They are “to blame” for the fact that the body begins to grow rapidly – both upward and in breadth. This is an absolute natural phenomenon that every person encounters at the appropriate period of life. However, this can lead to the appearance of striae on the popes. And also in other places of the body.
The fact is that sometimes the skin simply does not keep up with the shape. It is difficult for her to stretch as quickly as muscle and fat tissue accumulates. Most often this occurs on the stomach and chest in girls. Stretch marks appear less frequently on the buttocks, but they can be no less disturbing.
With a lack of collagen and elastin, which give it elasticity, the skin tears in areas of particular tension - stretch marks appear. Of course, there are no breaks in the literal sense of the word. The integrity of the skin is not compromised. The fibers are torn in the deep layers. On the outside, redness is first noticeable - in the form of scars. These “stripes” can also be purple. Then these places become whitish-pinkish in color.
Stretch marks on the butt can form due to excessive production of the hormone cortisone in the teenage body. This is a reason to see if everything is ok with your hormonal levels - get tested and consult a doctor.
Symptoms
Striae in children are localized in the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, back, closer to the lower back. Typically, stretch marks should be expected during periods of active growth - this is the age of 7-9 years and the period of puberty, when in addition to growth, weight gain also occurs. They look like traumatic ruptures in the area of deep layers of skin, which should perform a supporting function for the entire skin. In this case, elastin and collagen fibers, which give the skin strength and at the same time elasticity, are damaged. Stretch marks initially appear as longitudinal or transverse stripes from 05 cm to 10-12 cm or more, they are expressed to varying degrees, have a color from purplish-bluish bright red in the stage of emergence to white or flesh-colored in the stage of healing and regression. When you palpate the area of the defect, you feel the skin sinking under your fingers; it is uneven, less dense and not so elastic. Stretch marks do not have any other manifestations - they do not hurt, do not become inflamed, do not itch or flake.
Diagnosis of striae in a child
It is necessary to consult a pediatrician and dermatologist, and, if necessary, an endocrinologist, neurologist and other specialists. It is necessary to carry out all tests, determine the hormonal profile, and take both the peripheral glands and the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. If the tumor nature of the pathology is suspected, a CT or MRI of the brain, ultrasound of the adrenal glands, thyroid gland, and additional examinations are necessary.
Correction methods
There are several options for getting rid of stretch marks on the butt and other parts of the body.
- Stretch marks can be removed using mesotherapy . The bottom line is that a special drug is injected under the skin, which helps it recover in stretched areas. In this case, very thin needles are used, and the stretch marks gradually decrease and disappear. It is important to remember that this procedure has contraindications. It cannot be done if the skin in the places where there are stretch marks is inflamed. And also when herpes rashes are present. Mesotherapy is not performed at elevated body temperatures. You shouldn’t do this in the summer either, otherwise you’ll have to give up tanning for the duration of the course. The course itself can take up to six months. There is no point in rushing here: skin restoration should proceed gradually.
- The second method, which can also be used for teenagers, is laser resurfacing . Stretch marks are noticeably reduced after the first session. It usually lasts about an hour. A burning sensation may be felt. But after two weeks, the effect, according to experts, will be impressive. It is worth considering that on the eve of such procedures it is important to see a dermatologist. And after completing the course, it is better to be in the sun less often.
- Another option for eliminating stretch marks in a teenager is to use a good cosmetic product (cream) . Such preparations contain several effective ingredients: collagen, silicone and others. Their task is to saturate the skin with nutrients so that it recovers faster. In this case, massage and exercise will be a good help.
Treatment
Therapy for deformities is a long-term process, the effectiveness of which depends on how long ago the problem occurred. Stripes formed over 1-6 months. before contacting a doctor, they are completely eliminated by using laser resurfacing, mesotherapy and cosmetic preparations. Surgery may be required to remove hardened scars.
It is prohibited to treat stretch marks on a child’s legs on your own, without first consulting a specialist. The method of treating stretch marks is chosen by the doctor after determining the reasons for their appearance and assessing the general health of the child.
Mesotherapy
During the procedure, small doses of special substances (vitamin cocktails, collagen, etc.) are introduced into the skin of the legs, which soften the connective tissue structures, minimize trophic disorders of the integument and activate the regeneration processes of deformed areas.
The list of contraindications for mesotherapy includes:
- neurological diseases;
- blood clotting disorder;
- inflammatory diseases of injured areas;
- infectious and oncological pathologies;
- pregnancy;
- individual intolerance to the drugs used.
The average duration of treatment for stretch marks is 6 months.
Cosmetology preparations
To remove newly developed stretch marks, it is recommended to use hypoallergenic creams and medicinal ointments.
The components of products approved for use in adolescence are:
- elastin;
- collagen;
- vitamins (A, E, K);
- cocoa butter, shea butter, almond, coconut.
Liniments moisturize the skin, increase its elasticity and smoothness, and reduce the brightness of the color of formations. Sales of drugs are carried out through pharmacy chains.
The list of popular products includes cosmetic creams Sanosan and Mustela, ointments Bepanten, Contractubex.
To obtain the expected effect, you should apply the product to your feet 2 times a day. The minimum duration of therapy is 3 months.
Laser resurfacing
Laser resurfacing helps quickly get rid of cosmetic defects on the skin. Manipulations are carried out using 2 types of devices: erbium and carbon dioxide. The first is used to eliminate shallow stretch marks, the second allows you to correct advanced formations.
The procedures are contraindicated for adolescents suffering from:
- diabetes mellitus;
- oncological diseases;
- epilepsy;
- kidney diseases;
- inflammatory pathologies of the epidermis.
The method under consideration for removing stretch marks involves exposing the injured skin of the legs to laser beams. Manipulations minimize the affected area, restore the natural color, elasticity and smoothness of tissues.
Resurfacing is not performed on pregnant or lactating minors.
The described procedure is highly expensive.
Vitamins
Taking vitamin complexes helps slow down the process of thickening and scarring of stretch marks on the legs. The additives should contain:
- Retinol, which strengthens the immune system and activates the regeneration of skin structures.
- Ascorbic acid, involved in collagen synthesis.
- Phylloquinol, the need for which increases significantly during the phase of rapid growth of the body. The substance has a brightening effect.
- Vitamin D vitamers (ergocalciferol, cholecalciferol). The list of the most important functions performed by biologically active components includes regulation of metabolic processes and activation of the secretion of certain hormones.
Before choosing the optimal drug, you should consult your doctor.
Folk remedies
Stretch marks that form on the hips or behind the knees in teenagers can be eliminated using alternative medicine recipes.
Effective folk methods of restoring damaged structures are compresses, masks and rubbing.
For lotions it is recommended to use:
- lemon juice;
- egg white whipped into a strong foam;
- olive oil.
The selected component should be applied to areas with sprains and secured with a bandage. After 40 min. It is necessary to rinse off the product used with warm water. To speed up the process of tissue regeneration after the procedures, you need to rub a moisturizer into the skin. Manipulations are performed 2 times/week.
A mask made from a mixture of a small amount of yeast, 0.5 tbsp, helps to reduce stretch marks. warm cream and 1 tsp. honey The prepared product is infused for 30 minutes, then applied to the area with stretch marks. The affected area should be wrapped in plastic wrap and a warm towel. The duration of the procedure is 1 hour, treatment can be carried out 1 day. at 3 pm.
For rubbing, it is recommended to use a mixture of 2 drops of wheat germ oil and a similar amount of extracts from neroli, mandarin and lavender. The product is applied to pre-steamed skin.
In addition to the methods listed above, regular self-massages, peelings with sea salt, ground coffee or sugar can help minimize stretch marks at home.
One two three four…
Experts believe that it is impossible to eliminate stretch marks on a teenager’s butt without physical activity. Whatever the reason for their appearance. However, you shouldn’t be too zealous with this - the effect can be exactly the opposite.
Therefore, it is worth paying close attention to the loads. Too much tension on the skin during sports can lead to the development of stretch marks. This is a common occurrence among athletes when such “scars” form on their buttocks precisely as a result of high physical activity. Striae can also appear on the chest - where the pectoral muscles quickly develop.
What are stretch marks
Stretch marks, also known as stretch marks, are a kind of skin defect that appears in the form of narrow wavy stripes of different widths and has shades from white to red-violet.
Gradually, the color of the stretch marks becomes lighter and discolored, usually this can take several days, several months or years. Typically, stretch marks are localized on the chest, abdomen, thighs and buttocks. In athletes who rapidly increase muscle mass, stretch marks may appear on the inside of the arms and shoulders.
Striae appear as a result of microtraumas of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. They often occur in people with a genetic predisposition.
A question of prevention
Is there anything that can be done to prevent stretch marks from appearing in teenagers?
One of the preventive measures is a reasonable approach to sports and fitness. Excessive exercise can lead to stretch marks forming where muscles are actively growing. Girls should pay special attention to this point: in their body, individual parts usually grow faster than in boys. Women's skin has a different structure - it is thinner than men's. And young ladies are at greater risk of getting stretch marks.
Location of stretch marks on the skin
Striae are most often located in areas of intense muscle and bone growth. In teenage girls, stretch marks appear on the hips and legs, in teenage boys - on the shoulders and arms.
Excessive consumption of cortisone steroids leads to the formation of stretch marks on the knees, thighs, abdomen, butt, legs and shoulders.
If stretch marks form in the back of the head, arms and back, then this indicates serious pathologies. Therefore, urgent consultation with a specialist is required.
Let's do without diets
The second important point for preventing stretch marks is proper nutrition. No diets for weight loss! For teenagers, giving up any foods in order to lose weight is contraindicated. A growing body must receive all the substances it needs. Otherwise, stretch marks may appear with a higher degree of probability. After all, the skin simply does not have enough building material to keep up with the growth of the rest of the body.
The diet should contain enough foods that contain vitamins A, C and E. You also need fish, vegetable oil, vegetables - they contain unsaturated fatty acids that the skin needs for normal well-being and to prevent stretch marks from appearing. Protein is also required - plant and animal origin. If there is enough of all this in the food, and the metabolic processes in the body are not disturbed and the nutrients are absorbed well, stretch marks will not occur.
It is also important to drink enough water. Violation of the water-salt balance is another factor contributing to the formation of stretch marks.
Everything in moderation
Good massage. You can do it yourself, but it’s important not to overdo it: don’t knead or stretch the skin too much. You can use vegetable cosmetic oils for massage. Juniper, wheat germ and orange oils are suitable.
Swimming is also beneficial. It is wise to take a contrast shower from time to time - this stimulates metabolic processes.
Another recommendation from experts is to regularly visit an endocrinologist and get tested for hormone levels. This will help you notice unwanted changes in time, which means stretch marks are unlikely to appear.
According to experts, with the right approach, stretch marks in teenagers will not develop into a problem.
