Stretch marks formation has been widely noticed. This is a phenomenon which is annoying for many people. After puberty, you might not be comfortable to wear low-neck shirts or a mini skirt or a swimsuit because you spot some silvery streaks on your abdomen, hip, buttocks, arms, even breasts skin. Many people have tried figuring out the best ways to eliminate these annoying lines, although it has been known that stretch marks cannot be eliminated completely and permanently.
Despite the discomfort it may cause, stretch marks do not usually distract your health state. It does not cause any pain that will bother your activity. However, some people notice that their stretch marks are itchy and thus, wonder whether this is normal. How is itchy stretch mark different from normal stretch marks? Is it harmful?
Why does my stretch mark itch?
Not everyone experience itchy stretch marks. In fact, this condition is experienced by some new mothers who have just gave birth to a child. Stretch marks during pregnancy are common and not harmful. This happens because your skin is expanding and thus, some tissues are probably damaged because your skin is lack of elasticity. However, some new mothers report that after delivery, their stretch marks itch and are really disturbing.
Itchy stretch marks are in fact, common in new mothers. This is marked by small, raised, red, and really itchy areas on your stretch marks. This is called polymorphic eruption of pregnancy (PEP), which is harmless yet really disturbing. This is a condition which usually occurs in late pregnancy or some weeks after delivery.
The exact cause of PEP has not been known scientifically, yet skin overstretch is said to be the culprit. Therefore, this itchy stretch marks develop more on soon-to-be mothers who are expecting twins or their first baby.
This is a definitely normal condition which do not have to be worried about. This itch might last until your baby is 6 month old, and during that time you can still breastfeed her fully. However, the itch might be really severe that it distracts your rest time.
How do I ease itchy stretch marks?
If you are one of those women who experience itchy stretch marks, you might want to consider these things so that the itches stay minimal and you can get comfortable, sufficient rest.
- Do not scratch the affected areas. Yes the itches might be really uncomfortable and sometimes painful that you need to scratch. However, scratching can cause wound which lead to even worse stretch marks. Instead of scratching, try to put warm clean towel onto the affected area to minimize the itches.
- Wear comfortable, absorbing clothes to maximize sweat absorption. Sweat can cause worse itch, so do not wear clothes with uncomfortable fabric which do not absorb sweat well.
- Bath with cool liquid soap. Liquid soap with mint ingredient will help you reduce the severe itch. You can apply the soap and rinse with cold water to help calming the itchy stretch marks.
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