Stretch marks

[jarel]

HELLO  I'm  a 24 year old male and i used to have a nice body very well developed, but  wen i turn 21 i started to gain a lot of weight i gain around over 30 pounds, now I'm starting to loose weight but my problem is that i developed a really bad case of stretch marks in my abdomen, thighs and underarms. i want to know is there is a cream that can help with my problem or ill yest have to learn how to live with them???

[gai3]

dear dr.,
i read about your suggestion for stretch mark.can u suggest me a name of a good stretch mark removal cream available in india?thank u.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Stretch marks can appear when there is rapid stretching of the skin. It is common in rapid gaining or losing of weight, pregnancy, puberty, cushings syndrome and overuse of steroids.
Creams containing alpha hydroxyl acids and retin-A are said to be useful in decreasing the stretch marks but the advertised antimarks creams have no proof of effectiveness. Eat healthy, nutritious food ,drink plenty of fluids and do moderate exercises. Laser therapy, and dermabrasion, alone or in combination have also been shown to be effective in diminishing the appearance of stretch marks .For that you need to consult a dermatologist.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.