Stretch mark, also known as stria or striae, is a type of scaring on the skin that occurs when the dermis, middle layer of the skin is torn. It is related to rapid weight gain or loss, growth during puberty, pregnancy and muscle building. When the stretch mark first appears it has a red or sometimes purple tone with a narrow and elongated line emerging on the surface of the skin, with time is tends to fade away acquiring a silvery-white tone, but is does not disappear completely.
Stretch marks tend to appear on parts of the body that store fat, including the abdomen, breasts, upper arms, underarms, thighs, hips and buttocks. The dermis, where the stretch marks occur, is the layer of the skin that gives support and helps the skin to keep firm and in shape, while the support within the dermis is in place it prevents the skin from tearing and avoids stretch marks from occurring.

What causes stretch marks?

Stretch of the skin on its on does not cause marks. Although it is connected to the rapid stretch of the skin, stretch marks are caused by changes in the level of the glucocorticoid hormone in the body. This can inhibit the skin cells from synthesizing collagen and elastin fibers. As a result the growing skin loses the support it needs to maintain its firmness and flexibility. This lack of support compels the dermis to break in places allowing the inner layer of the skin to become apparent, creating the stretch marks.

How to prevent and remove stretch marks?

It is very common for women to get stretch marks during pregnancy due to the changes in hormone levels that take place through out the pregnancy. Over 75% of women get some stretch marks during their pregnancy, mainly around the sixth and seventh month of gestation.

Although it is not scientifically proved, some moisturising creams and oils have shown effective results in lessening the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy.
Trofolastin is an anti-stretch-mark moisturising cream marketed by Novartis in Spain, which has been through a controlled scientific study. It has shown to prevent and effectively reduce the appearance of stretch marks when applied daily to the skin. Trofolastin contains centella asiatica extract, vitamin E and collagen-elastin hydrolysates.

The moisturising cream Verum containing vitamin E, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, elastin and menthol, has been through a study, but without placebo control. It is more effective against stretch marks than having no treatment.

Sweet almond oil is an effective moisturiser, helping to smooth the skin, keeping it supple and soft. It is rich in vitamin E, which is has antioxidant properties, helping to protect the skin’s collagen and elastin from the effects of free-radicals. It also helps to heal scars and maintain the skin healthy. The emollient properties of almond oil help to keep the skin flexible and silky smooth, as it is easily absorbed into the skin, trapping moisture underneath the deeper layer of the dermis. This prevents the skin from becoming scratchy and dry, reducing the chances of developing stretch marks. Although this is not scientifically proven, almost oil has been used as an anti-stretch mark moisturising for many years.

Other types of treatments that are available to improve the appearance of stretch marks include:

• Prescribed Retinoids
• Dermabrasion
• Laser resurfacing – uses dotted pulses of light to create a microscopic wound on the skin, over a period of time, to encourage the skin to produce new collagen and epithelium, minimising the appearance of stretch marks.
• Pulsed dye laser treatment – can be used in individuals with darker skin to increase pigmentation of the skin with stretch mark to match the rest of the skin tone.
• Surgical procedure – such as tummy tuck can be used to remove stretch marks located on the lower abdominal area. This procedure removes the stretch marks by removing the excess skin below the navel region.

It is worth emphasising that stretch marks are purely cosmetic in nature and they cause no threat to health and no compromise to the skin’s capability to repair itself.

Botox is a Trade Mark for a medication based on the neurotoxic protein, called Botulinum toxin, produced by the bacteria Clostridium Botulinum, it is the most toxic protein known to men. But, it can be medically used in minuscule doses to treat muscle spasms. Now a days it is also sold commercially and used for cosmetic treatment.

How does Botox work?

Botox injection is now widely used in cosmetic surgery to treat wrinkles and frown lines. It works by injecting a minute amount of botulinum toxin type A into the skin to relax the muscles and eliminate fixed expression lines.

When Botulinum toxin is applied into the muscle it decreases muscle activity as it blocks the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction of the motor neuron. Therefore inhibiting the neuron signal transmission between the nervous system and the muscle, preventing the muscle from contracting for a period of 3 to 4 months.

Although Botulinum toxin is deadly poisonous, it is widely used in the cosmetic industry at minuscule doses in a purified and isolated form with a very low degree of toxicity.

The qualifications required to perform Botox injections vary from country to country, and can include dermatologists, plastic surgeons, cosmetic physicians, nurses practitioners, nurses, physician assistants and some medical spas.

Apart from its cosmetic treatment, Botulinum toxin is also used to treat other medical conditions including:

• Cervical Dystonia – neuromuscular disorder involving the head and neck
• Blepharospasm – excessive blinking
• Axillary hyperhidrosis – excessive sweating
• Achalasia – failure of the lower oesophageal sphincter to relax
• Chronic focal painful neuropathies
• Migraine and other headache disorders, although the effectiveness is inconsistent in this indication

What are the side effects of Botox?

As Botox works by causing muscle paralysis it can result in paralysis of the wrong muscle group as well as an allergic reaction to the substance Botulinum toxin.

Sometimes bruising can occur on the injected area due to the method of application, which can cause improper facial expression, such as drooping eyelid, uneven smile, loss of the ability to close the eye and can last for 6 weeks.

The risk of bruising can be minimised when the physician applies pressure to the injected area, but it can still occur, lasting for about 7 to 10 days.

When the injection is applied to the masseter muscle of the jaw it can reduce the ability to chew solid foods due to the loss of muscle function.

Other side effects may include headaches, focal facial paralysis, muscle weakness, dysphagia and flu-like syndromes.

Cosmetic treatments with Botox have a temporary effect and can last for as little as 6 six, but it normally lasts for a period of 3 to 8 months.

Treatment for Ageing Skin

As we age it becomes more common to develop skin growths and pigment spots on the skin. They can vary from harmless warts, liver spots or age spots to skin cancer due to years of sun exposure.

Among the most common are the red or brown scaly spots, known as actinic keratoses. If left untreated they may become skin cancers that eventually will need to be removed by surgery. If treated early these spots can be removed by freezing with liquid nitrogen, applying a chemotherapy cream or by skin resurfacing.

Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that can destroy normal tissue, typically develops on the rim of the ear, the face, the lips or the back of hands, occasionally it spreads to internal organs. If left untreated it can be aggressive.

The most common type of skin cancer is a basal cell carcinoma. It normally starts as a small, shiny bump or pinpoint red bleeding area on the head, face, nose, neck or chest. It tends to be more common in older people with fair skin, blond or red hair and blue or green eyes.

If left untreated, they can bleed and crust over. These cancer grow slowly and rarely spread to other parts of the body. When treated early, squamous cell and basal cell skin cancers have a 95 percent cure rate.

Malignant Melanoma is a less common but more serious type of skin cancer. It normally starts as a dark brown or black mole-like growth with irregular borders and variable colours. Men over the age of 50 are at the highest risk group, but is can affect anyone of any age. Melanoma is more likely to affect people who had severe sunburns in their childhood.

The most common parts of the body for melanoma are the upper back in men and women, the chest and abdomen in men and the lower legs of women.

Melanoma can spread to other organs and can be fatal. Any change in an existing mole or the rapid appearance off a new mole, could indicate a melanoma and should be checked immediately by your doctor.

Skin Growths Common in Older People Include:

Age spots or liver spots: These are generally harmless flat brown pigments on the skin called lentigines. These are caused by the sun, despite the name it is not related to the liver. Normally it appears on the face, hands, back and feet. They may look like melanoma, so should be examined by your doctor for a correct diagnose. These can be treated with effective prescription medications and surgical resurfacing treatment. The “fade” creams sold commercially will not make lentigines disappear.

Seborrheic Keratoses: Are normally brown or black raised spots and are not cancerous. They are very common in older people and can be easily removed by a dermatologist.

Cherry Angiomas: These are small, bright red raised bumps caused by dilated blood vessels. They are harmless and occur in more than 85 percent of middle-aged and elderly people, normally on the torso. These spots can be removed by surgical therapies such as electrocautery or laser surgery.

Symptoms of Skin Changes that May Indicate a Problem:

Most changes that occur in our skin as we age are harmless, but there are certain signs that can indicate a more serious probelm that should not be ignored. Consult your doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms or signs:

Skin Cancer may be indicated by: A scaly red spot; a change in colour, shape or size of a mole; any new skin growth; bleeding in a mole or other growth; a sore that fails to heal.

Dermatitis or Psoriasis may be indicated by: Excessive dryness and itching that does not responde to moisturizers.

Shingles may be indicated by: Vague or sharp local pain or headache followed by the formation of groups of blisters.

Varicose Veins may be indicated by: Bulging or tender veins in the leg.

Circulatory problem or Diabetes may be indicated by: A sore that fails to heal.

Consult your doctor if you are concerned about any unusual changes on your skin.

Treatment for Ageing Skin

The areas of the skin with a high concentration of oil glands tend to be the most affected, like the scalp, sides of the nose, eyebrows, eyelids, behind the ears and the middle of the chest.

Occasionally other areas can also be affected, such as the navel, breasts, buttocks and skin folds under the arms.

Seborrheic Dermatitis can be treated successfully with topical medication, including low-strength cortisone preparations prescribed by your doctor. Frequent shampooing and washing also help the condition.

Treatment for Ageing Skin

Treatment for Ageing Skin

The virus attacks a nerve root and follows the line of that nerve, causing painful blisters on the scalp, face, torso, or extremities. It normally affects one side of the body only and can last for several weeks. Anti-viral medication can reduce the severity of the attack, minimising the possibility of long-lasting pain afterwards.

Shingles can cause complications and can become serious. Consult you doctor if shingles is suspected, especially if the condition appears close to the eyes. Treatment is most effective if started within the first three days of onset.

Treatment for Ageing Skin

The aching related to Varicose Veins can be eased with the following steps:

• Avoid standing for long periods of time.

• Keep feet elevated when sitting or lying down.

• Wear support hose or elastic bandages.

Small varicose veins, also called spider veins, can be treated with sclerotheraphy injections or laser therapy. Severe cases of varicose veins can be treated with surgery or radio frequency treatments.

Treatment for Ageing Skin

In some cases a bruise can be prevented if pressure is applied to the affected area immediately after a bump occur. Some types of medication can interfere with blood clotting by certain internal diseases, which may also cause bruising. However, bruising in areas that are always covered by clothing should be evaluated further by your doctor.

Treatment for Ageing Skin

If moisturizer alone is not soothing the skin, your doctor can prescribe a remedy to improve the skin condition and perform some tests to establish if an internal disorder is causing the skin to itch.

Treatment for Ageing Skin

Bathing less often and using milder soap or a soap substitute, or soaking in a tub of warm water without soap can help alleviate dry skin; avoid hot water as it can irritate the skin more than warm water. Apply a moisturizer such as petrolatum or lanolin after bathing to seal the moisture in the skin.

In case the dry skin persists, consult your doctor. A severe case of flaky, itchy and cracked skin could be an indication of a more serious problem.

Treatment for Ageing Skin