A quick look at a common nail condition you've never heard of
If you've ever had a hangnail, you know how irritating they are. Hangnails can be painful and getting rid of them is an exercise in trying to avoid an infection.
Stretch marks are a familiar complaint among our patients, and we get a lot of inquiries about how to treat them. For many, they can be a cause of self-consciousness, and since they’re frequently challenging to get rid of and at-home treatments are only mildly worthwhile at best, what can you do about them?
Stretch marks can appear any time you undergo a lot of growth in a brief time. While often associated with weight gain or pregnancy, they can also be seen in teens going through expected growth, as a symptom of certain genetic disorders and steroid use. Any time your body expands faster than your skin can keep up with, it’s possible for stretch marks to follow.
The marks start raised and red, and as inflammation subsides, they shrink and fade into light-colored marks a little lighter than the shade of your skin.
During pregnancy, hydrating the skin on common areas like the abdomen, hips, buttocks, and back is essential. Common effective products include Bio-Oil and Cocoa Butter. Avoidance of steroid medications for long periods of time is important as this overuse can contribute to thinner skin and stretch marks. A healthy diet and exercise can also prevent stretch marks help by maintaining a healthy weight.
The straightforward answer is, if stretch marks concern you, get them taken care of as soon as you can. Anything that impacts your morale can be a substantial stumbling block in your day-to-day life, so don’t wait for treatment. The sooner you’re in a body you’re pleased with, the better.
If you search “stretch mark home remedy,” you’ll find dozens of recommendations from well-meaning article writers that tell you that you can treat stretch marks with treatments like aloe vera, sugar, and coconut oil. These treatments are inefficient and may chafe your skin if you use them too vigorously.
A few over-the-counter remedies are available to treat stretch marks that contain ingredients like retinoic acid and alpha hydroxy acid. A skincare plan should be discussed with your dermatologist prior to trying these products.
Although there is no cure, the best remedies for stretch marks are the ones that promote your natural collagen. Stretch marks ultimately leave superficial channels in your skin, and boosting collagen production helps fill those channels, especially when they are fresh and red. This includes pulsed dye lasers. In addition, some treatments can help remodel scars and create smoother skin, treatments to reduce redness, including micro-needling and fractionated lasers.
If you are struggling with self-consciousness due to stretch marks, it’s time to reach out to your dermatologist. At City Derm, we can connect you with a skilled physician who will supply you with a treatment plan based on your exact needs. Give us a call today to plan a consultation -- we can’t wait to get you on the way to the best version of yourself!
