Stretch marks in teenagers: reasons, how to get rid of them. Clinic of Aesthetic Medicine "Abrielle"

Causes and mechanism of stretch marks

Most often, girls face the problem of stretch marks on their bodies during puberty. It is at this time that the body actively grows, the volume of the chest and hips increases. The skin cannot cope with the tension, resulting in microscopic tears in its thickness. Gradually, the thinned areas are replaced by scar tissue. In this case, the problem is cosmetic in nature and is not a sign of any disease.

Stretch marks on the skin in children may be the result of some pathology, which is accompanied by a decrease in skin elasticity and/or a sharp increase in body volume. Among the most common pathological causes are:

Itsenko-Cushing syndrome and other forms of hypercortisolism (increased adrenal hormones in the blood);
Marfan syndrome (genetic pathology of connective tissue);
adrenal hyperplasia (a genetic disease accompanied by a decrease in cortisol production);
diseases accompanied by decreased immunity.

Stretch marks can also occur due to long-term use of glucocorticoid hormones, sudden weight gain, or poor nutrition.

Stretch marks on a teenager’s body: what is the body missing?

— What are stretch marks from a physiological point of view?

- These are skin defects in the form of narrow strips of different widths and colors - from white to red-violet. Their medical name is striae. The term comes from the Latin "striae" or "stripes". Essentially, stretch marks are scars. As a rule, they appear in places where the skin is most stretched: on the chest, abdomen, thighs and buttocks. Initially, red-bluish stripes appear, which lighten and become discolored over time. The skin over the stretch marks may be retracted or, conversely, convex. Less often, stretch marks are located at the same level as the skin

- Why do they arise?

— The main reason for their appearance and development is skin rupture due to overstretching: blood vessels, collagen and elastic fibers are torn, a “dip” appears in the skin, which is filled with connective tissue, that is, a scar. The ability of connective tissue to produce the main skin pigment (melanin) is reduced. Therefore, for example, stretch marks tan much weaker than the rest of the skin and a person’s exposure to the sun makes them more noticeable.

— Many people know about the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy, weight gain, and heavy physical activity. But how do they arise in children?

— Their appearance depends on genetic predisposition. The likelihood of stretch marks is higher in those children whose parents have encountered this problem. Most often they begin to appear during puberty. However, they can also occur in children of younger ages: 9–11 years old, if they grow quickly and gain weight. Stretch marks are not dangerous to the life and health of the child, but sometimes they can be a symptom of certain diseases.

- For example, which ones?

— It is believed that the main cause of stretch marks is hormonal imbalance. Therefore, they are more common in females. Sex hormones play a decisive role, but thyroid and adrenal hormones are also important.

Stretch marks can be a symptom of problems with the adrenal glands. Therefore, the sudden appearance of multiple striae should alert parents.

— If parents notice that a teenager has multiple stretch marks, which doctor should they see?

- To a dermatologist and endocrinologist. The doctor may prescribe blood tests to determine hormonal levels, ultrasound of the adrenal glands, thyroid gland and other additional examinations.

— Why do stretch marks occur in teenage boys? Also because of hormones?

— Yes, boys are also prone to hormonal surges during puberty, when the level of testosterone, its precursors and metabolites increases sharply. At this time, the child is actively growing.

— Can they appear in children of fragile physique? What could this be related to other than genetic predisposition?

- Yes, even thin people can. This is often associated with the above endocrine disorders.

— If pathologies are detected, then getting rid of them can stop the process of stretch mark formation?

— Yes, as a rule, when the cause is identified and proper treatment by an endocrinologist, the prognosis is favorable.

Examination for stretch marks in children

To find out why your child suddenly has stretch marks, you need to contact your pediatrician. In the future, the specialist can redirect the patient to an endocrinologist, rheumatologist and other specialists. To clarify the cause of the defects, it is necessary to undergo an examination, which usually includes:

general blood and urine tests;
biochemical blood test (the list of specific indicators may vary depending on the patient’s age);
determination of the level of adrenal hormones in the blood;
ECG;
Ultrasound of the abdominal organs, kidneys;
CT or MRI of the adrenal glands;
MRI, X-ray or CT scan of the sella turcica.

If necessary, diagnostics are supplemented with other examinations and consultations with specialists.

How to remove stretch marks on the buttocks

If they have already appeared, then the sooner you start correction, the better. While the stripes are fresh and red, they can be smoothed out to a certain extent using creams. The more time passes from the moment they appear, the less chance there is. The easiest way is to rub the skin with olive oil. But you can also purchase a specialized cream or gel.

To improve the result, application of the product is combined with massage of problem areas. You can do it yourself. It is enough to study a special manual or watch a video course. But for these procedures to be truly effective, it is recommended to apply a good cosmetic cream upon completion. Typically, the ingredients of such products are collagen and silicone. Their task is to saturate the skin so that it recovers faster.

Treatment of stretch marks

If a child is diagnosed with a disease that has led to the appearance of stretch marks, doctors do everything to stabilize the situation.
Eliminating existing defects is a rather complex process, which may include physiotherapy, cosmetic procedures, and taking vitamins and minerals. For extensive stretch marks, surgery is performed. It is important to remember that the earlier treatment for stretch marks is started, the greater the likelihood of getting rid of these defects on the skin. Doctors at the SM-Doctor clinic will conduct a full examination to find the cause of the problem and take measures to eliminate it.

Lack of collagen and elastin

These indicators are different for everyone. Just like your skin type. With age, the indicators change, usually not in a big way. The reasons for stretch marks on the butt in teenagers are that it is difficult for the skin to stretch in those places where fat accumulates and muscle tissue grows. Most often this occurs on the chest and abdomen in girls, as well as on the lower back and buttocks.

The lack of collagen and elastin, whether due to the physiological characteristics of the body or poor nutrition of a teenager, affects the rate of formation of stretch marks. Of course, the external integrity of the skin is not compromised. Fractures occur in deep layers. And on the outside we see redness, which then becomes white scars.

Treatment methods. Short review

Pathogenetic schemes for correcting the condition prescribed by a specialist must be reasonable, comprehensive, and consistent. The sooner the correction begins, the greater the chances of getting positive results.

During the inflammatory stage, a sufficient number of vessels and many cellular elements remain in the affected area (mostly fibroblasts that secrete cytokines, biologically active substances, growth factors, enzymes). In this case, the tissue retains its potential for recovery. Striae in the atrophy stage have fewer vessels and cellular elements (especially fibroblasts), so the potential for restoring a cosmetic defect is less and decreases with age due to an increase in regeneration time. As a result, procedures for correcting stretch marks should be aimed at stimulating blood circulation and microcirculation, metabolic processes, fibroblasts, their synthetic and proliferative activity, targeted delivery of nutrients (vitamins and microelements), increasing tone and softening scar tissue.

Before starting correction schemes for this nosology, it is first necessary to exclude endocrine pathology. If it is detected, it is necessary to correct the underlying disease and only then carry out cosmetic procedures in areas with formed stretch marks. It is worth remembering that work is carried out not only on the defect itself, but also on the surrounding tissue. The correction program is selected individually, taking into account the stage of the process.

The main methods of correction: local use of cosmetics (home and professional care), chemical peels (TCA, phenol) with preliminary abrasion, injection techniques (mesotherapy, revitalization, contour plastic), intradermal biostimulation, physiotherapeutic correction (microcurrent, magnetic thermal therapy, electrophoresis, phonophoresis, vacuum massage, cryotherapy), laser therapy (ablative and non-ablative lasers).

Treatment

Eliminating stretch marks on a teenager’s body requires a comprehensive approach. As a rule, experts prescribe the use of special creams and ointments, folk remedies or cosmetic procedures, depending on what triggered the appearance of stretch marks on the skin of a teenager. Let's take a closer look at each of the remedies.

Photo of stretch marks on a teenager's back

Creams and ointments

In cosmetology, a wide range of products are used, the action of which is aimed at eliminating teenage stretch marks. The presence of collagen, elastin, silicone and glycerin in the creams helps to increase and improve skin elasticity and prevent moisture loss.

It is recommended to reduce physical activity while using ointments and creams. But it is advisable to carry out massage sessions as often as possible, as this helps to quickly restore the skin to its previous appearance.

In order for the effect of using cosmetics to be noticeable, it is important to regularly use cream and ointment.

The most popular and effective remedies for teenage stretch marks are:

Bepantol (emulsion) - perfectly nourishes and moisturizes the skin, giving it elasticity and preventing the development of stretch marks. Judging by the reviews, this emulsion is effective for removing stretch marks on the legs and abdomen of a teenager.
Mustela is a French-made cream containing natural oils and resinous substances that prevent the appearance of stretch marks on the skin and effectively deal with them.
Bio-Oil is an oil that perfectly copes with stretch marks, scars and other skin defects in teenagers.
Sanosan is a cosmetic product actively used by pregnant women. But it can also be used by young people. Sanosan contains natural ingredients that remove stretch marks on the hips and are effective for removing stretch marks on the chest and abdomen.
Vichy is the most suitable remedy for removing stretch marks in teenagers. The substances included in the product give the skin elasticity and lighten stretch marks. The only negative is the high cost of the cosmetic product.
Avent - the effectiveness of this remedy for stretch marks has been proven by many tests. The substances included in the product are safe for the body of a teenager.

You can buy all these products at any pharmacy, specialized stores, or by going to the official manufacturer’s website.

Vitamins

Some vitamins are no worse than expensive creams and ointments in treating stretch marks and preventing their appearance. It is recommended to pay attention to the following vitamins:

Vitamin A, also known as retinol, has a beneficial effect on the growth of bone and muscle tissue. Helps strengthen the body's protective properties and restore cells. Large amounts of this vitamin are found in dairy products, fish oil, beef liver, carrots, red rowan berries, eggs, herbs, orange vegetables and fruits.
Vitamin E (tocopherol) - gives the skin elasticity and firmness, improves immunity, takes part in the absorption of retinol and the synthesis of hormones. Present in large quantities in sunflower oil and sunflower seeds, almonds, cereals, green leafy vegetables, sea buckthorn and rowan.
Vitamin K - takes part in blood clotting, gives the dermis elasticity and firmness. Contained in large quantities in spinach, broccoli, beef liver, Brussels sprouts, green beans, and chicken.
Vitamin D - gives strength to the muscle and bone tissue of a teenager, normalizes the activity of the adrenal glands, thyroid gland, and pituitary gland. Present in cod fat and liver, fatty fish, seafood, butter, egg yolk.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) - has a powerful antioxidant effect, restores elasticity and synthesizing collagen to the skin. There is a lot of ascorbic acid in citrus fruits, walnuts, black currants, rose hips, sweet peppers, and kiwi.

If a teenager has vitamin deficiency, a specialist may prescribe additional multivitamins.

Photos of essential oils for stretch marks

Folk remedies

In folk medicine there are many remedies whose action is aimed at combating teenage stretch marks. In some cases, such means are even better than traditional ones. But before using them, you need to test for an allergic reaction.

To do this, a small amount of the prepared product should be applied to the teenager’s wrist. If after a quarter of an hour there are no changes in this place, you can use it.

Listed below are the most famous and effective traditional medicine against stretch marks at home:

Cream with mumiyo - to prepare it, dissolve 2-3 tablets of mumiyo in water and mix with regular body cream. Treat problem areas with the prepared mixture up to 3 times a day.
Coffee scrub - grind coffee beans in a coffee grinder, then mix with honey or essential oil. While taking a shower, the prepared mixture should be rubbed with light movements for 15-20 minutes into problem areas of the body: butt, legs, hips, chest or back. Then the product is washed off and a nourishing cream is applied to the skin. It is recommended to use this scrub no more than 2 times every 7 days.
Essential oils - for a home SPA procedure, you need to use only fatty massage oils. Wheat germ, jojoba, avocado and almond oils are excellent. It is also permissible to use olive, peach, flaxseed and sesame oils. Natural oils are used in combination with aromatic oils. An example of a cosmetic recipe: 3 drops of essential oils of geranium, myrtle, rosewood are mixed with ether of frankincense gum, immortelle (2 drops each) and with 10 ml of argan and 30 ml of rose hips. The resulting composition is applied in a circular motion to the stretch marks on the chest and gently rubbed. It is advisable to repeat the procedure no more than 2 times a week.
Chamomile wraps - to prepare the product, add 0.2 kg of chamomile flowers to 250 ml of warm milk and bring to a boil. The cooled composition should be applied to the problem area, covered with cellophane on top and wrapped in a towel. Leave the compress on for 20 minutes, then take a contrast shower and spread the skin with nourishing cream.
Carrot lotion - to prepare this product, you need to take one carrot (grated on a fine grater), pour 220 ml of distilled water into it. Wait 15 ml, squeeze out the carrots and add 1 tbsp. almond oil The prepared lotion should be lubricated on problem areas twice a day, and the product itself should be stored in the refrigerator.
Aloe cream “First Aid” - to prepare the product you will need 0.1 kg of dandelion leaves, 4 tbsp. olive oil, 2 tbsp. oatmeal and 3 medium sized aloe leaves. Aloe and dandelion leaves need to be crushed in a food processor, then add olive oil to the composition and mix well, gradually adding flour. The resulting composition should have a creamy consistency. This cream is applied to problem areas and washed off after 20 minutes.

Cosmetology procedures

There are many safe procedures in cosmetology that help remove stretch marks on a teenager’s skin. Here are the most common:

Mesotherapy is an effective and safe method of combating stretch marks in adolescents. Injections into different parts of the body activate the metabolism and effectively eliminate stretch marks. A cosmetic session is carried out 2 to 3 times a month. The duration of the course is six months and at least 12 procedures. Contraindications for mesotherapy are the presence of inflammation in the area where injections are performed, blood diseases, herpes, viral and colds. It is also undesirable to carry out the procedure in the summer.
Microdermabrasion - using this technique you can remove stretch marks on your back. With the help of microscopic crystals, the growth of new elastic cells is activated and the skin becomes more elastic. Striae on the abdomen, thighs and back of a teenager after mechanical peeling remain only if the patient’s skin is hypersensitive.
Laser skin resurfacing is a fairly expensive cosmetic procedure. But its main advantage is the elimination of stretch marks on a teenager’s skin in just 1 session. After the first procedure, you can additionally use special creams and folk remedies against stretch marks - this will allow you to achieve the maximum effect from laser skin resurfacing. The duration of the procedure is about 1 hour. During the session, a slight burning sensation is felt, and after it swelling and redness are likely to appear.
Massage is an integral part of a comprehensive approach to getting rid of teenage stretch marks. The massage can be varied: plucking, using natural oils, mumiyo, creams, vacuum cupping, smoothing.

Stretch marks on a teenager’s skin are an unpleasant phenomenon that can be dealt with with an integrated approach. Parents should monitor their child and at the first sign of stretch marks, immediately consult a doctor and not wait for them to go away on their own.

Children playing sports

Prevention

Preventing the formation of stretch marks is much easier than trying to cope with their consequences. That is why it is important to adhere to certain preventive measures that will protect a teenager from the appearance of unsightly stripes on the body.

Here's what to do:

Monitor your teenager's diet. It should contain a sufficient amount of fiber and as little junk food as possible so as not to provoke excess weight gain.
Visit doctors regularly and get tested to promptly identify hormonal imbalances.
Maintain good personal hygiene and use various moisturizing creams and lotions.
Move more and spend time outdoors. A sedentary lifestyle provokes the development of stretch marks in adolescence. That is why it is important to motivate your child to have an active lifestyle or send him to a sports section.
Follow the drinking regime, drink at least 1.5 liters of clean water without gases per day.
Follow a work-rest schedule, sleep at least 8 hours a day.
If possible, try to protect the teenager from bad habits and instill in him a love of a healthy lifestyle.

Following these recommendations will help prevent stretch marks from appearing on your teenager's body. And if they do appear, it is necessary to seek help from a doctor as soon as possible in order to prevent their further development and increase in size.

Medicines against stretch marks

A doctor can recommend a large number of medications to combat stretch marks in adolescents. We will talk about the most common treatments for stretch marks.

Creams or ointments

To prevent the appearance and treatment of stretch marks in adolescence, you can use a specially developed cream. This is the safest way to combat this disease. Natural cosmetic preparations have almost no contraindications for use.

If a teenager has sensitive skin, it is recommended that he use hypoallergenic preparations. Girls can use ointments for pregnant women, since they do not contain harmful substances. The natural ingredients they contain combat skin imperfections and restore its natural appearance.

If the use of ointments leads to allergies and other changes, the teenager should consult a doctor.

Vitamins for teenagers

Stretch marks at a young age can appear as a result of poor nutrition and resulting hypovitaminosis. To combat stretch marks, you need to consume these vitamins.

Retinol, or vitamin A. It promotes the growth of body tissues. Helps strengthen immune defense and combat visual impairment. Contained in vegetable oil, nuts, cereals, and dairy products.
Vitamin E is responsible for skin elasticity and promotes the synthesis of necessary hormones. Contained in soy, dairy products and vegetable oils.
Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, is a powerful antioxidant. It helps restore collagen and strengthen skin tissue. The vitamin is found in kiwi, currants, citrus fruits, sea buckthorn, cabbage, cereals, and strawberries.
Vitamin D regulates the activity of the adrenal glands, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, and helps strengthen muscle tissue. Contained in butter, seafood, oatmeal, cheese, and yolks. Sunbathing is beneficial for vitamin synthesis in the body.

Traditional methods of treatment

The most popular folk method for treating stretch marks is rubbing a small amount of olive oil into the skin. It helps remove dead skin, smoothes and makes it elastic.

Rules of application:

Apply oil to stretch marks and massage the affected area for 5 minutes.
Warm up the treated area of the body using a warm heating pad.
Repeat this procedure every day for a month.

Stretch marks can be smeared with lemon juice, baby cream, and Vaseline. All these remedies reduce itching and improve skin condition. The procedures may be supplemented with massage.

Hardware treatment methods

The most effective way to treat stretch marks is laser resurfacing. It can significantly improve the appearance of the skin. The scar disappears by layer-by-layer removal of the scar walls.

Laser therapy helps improve collagen production and increase tissue elasticity, so the skin looks much better after such treatment. If stretch marks are very noticeable on the skin, then several similar procedures may be required.

Laser resurfacing of skin defects

In addition to laser resurfacing, mesotherapy is used. The patient is given an intradermal injection of a drug that fights stretch marks. Treatment is not carried out for herpes and colds.

Electrocoagulation involves treating skin lesions with a weak electric current. To achieve the desired effect, several procedures must be performed.

A relatively inexpensive and effective way to get rid of stretch marks is collagen injection. It restores the skin and nourishes it.

Where stretch marks usually appear

The places where striae appear are:

thighs (inner and outer parts);
stomach;
back, lower back;
buttocks.

In girls, stretch marks appear not only on the hips or legs, but also on the chest. Rarely they are found on the back of the head and hands. This indicates significant health problems.