by 
The Curious Bag
-
Stretch marks are a form of scar tissue. The natural healing process that produces them continues for years and can cause itching, though the itch is not actually in the stretch marks, but rather in the skin around them.
Cause
Stretch marks form when the skin is forced to stretch too much and too quickly, such as during pregnancy or rapid weight gain. The layers of skin literally tear in slow motion.
Scarring
Scarring is the body's way of repairing damage quickly. The tears caused by stretching are repaired with scar tissue that starts out red and gradually fades.
Itching
The healing continues long after the initial damage is fixed. Though there are no nerve endings in scar tissue, the flesh around the stretch marks is full of them. The body's repair work stimulates the nerve endings, which the brain interprets as itching.
Other Factors
Dry skin can exacerbate the itching, as can exercise that pulls and stretches the stretch marks.
Treatment
Topical anti-itch creams or moisturizing lotion applied around stretch marks can relieve discomfort. According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no way to get rid of stretch marks.
Source:
RELATED QUESTIONS
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC