Varicose Veins/Acne...

Hi,

I've got these marks on my inside leg (groin area) they are about 3-4 inches long and are indented. I went to my local GP and he told me they were stretch marks from going to the gym...i accepted this. BUT i haven't been to the gym for about a year now and they are still appearing. WHAT ARE THEY ???

Someone told me they could be varicose veins ?...if so how can you treat them ?

Also,
What is the best way to clear up acne on my back (haven't got many but enough to make me feel uncomfortable with myself.

Cheers...Simon

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Simon:

Striae distensae ("stretch marks") appear in the presence of obesity or pregnancy, but also in the groin and armpits of people who exercise but are not obese by any means.  This seems to be your concern.  They are not varicose veins, nor do they become varicose.  They fade over time to a bone white color.  No treatment is useful.  It is not necessary to curtail exercise, at the gym or at home.  Use of potent cortisone creams may aggravate the problem, though I don't know whether that applies to you.

As to acne, try a cleanser containing 2% salicyli acid (non-prescription.)

Best.

Dr. R

[Mr Man]

Forgot to say these marks are purple in colour and then turn white after a few weeks

[Mr Man]

Thanks...at least you've put my minds at rest.

[StretchMark Help]

Simon,

Many people will tell you that there is no cure for Stretch Marks.  This is true.  However there are many treatments out there that claim to help reduce them.  I have tried a few and have found that one actually works.  It reduces the sight of them.  I was told that it helps when they are newer and it becomes more difficult the longer you have had them.  Some have tried lasers or micro dermabrasion but not only do these not work, they are PAINFULL!!  The micro dermabrasion uses crystals or salt and shoots it at high velocity to scrape off your skin.  You often bleed!  There is a new treatment that is out called Skin Master Plus.  I found it at a Plastic Surgeons office in california, but have heard that Dermatologists and OB/Gyn offices have it as well.  It is completely painless.  Actually, it feels a bit like a facial.  Ask your doctor about it.  If he/she doesn't have it, find someone who does!  They are out there!  You should not have to suffer with these if you got them from working out!  That just doesn't seem fair!  Good luck to you.  If you are in Cali, I would be happy to get you the name of the doctor I used.