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Published on: May 23, 2022
3 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

Stretch Marks: Causes And Treatment

Stretch marks are markings that often show up on the skin during pregnancy, estrus, or rapid growth spurts. They’re usually red or purple at first, but eventually fade to a silvery white. Pregnancy is the most common cause of stretch marks, but they can also be caused by weight gain during puberty or from certain medical conditions like Cushing’s syndrome. While stretch marks are harmless and don’t pose any health risks, many people find them unsightly and are looking for ways to get rid of them.

There are a number of treatment options available for stretch marks, though none of them are guaranteed to work. Stretch marks are markings that can occur on the skin during periods of rapid growth or stretching. The most common places they appear are on the thighs, buttocks, stomach, and breasts. During pregnancy, these markings often show up around the sixth or seventh month as the skin stretches to accommodate a growing belly.

While stretch marks do not pose any health risks, many people regard them as unsightly blemishes. In general, there are two ways to treat them: topical treatments and laser therapy. Topical treatments for stretch marks include moisturizers, retinoids, creams containing Vitamin C, and body oils like cocoa butter. These products work by stimulating collagen production and improving blood circulation in the area . Stretch marks are markings that can occur on the skin after it has been stretched or distorted in some way. They’re often associated with pregnancy, weight gain, andgrowth spurts during adolescence. However, anyone can develop stretch marks, even though they’re more common in women than men.

Stretch marks usually first appear as reddish or purple lines, but over time they tend to turn a lighter color. They tend to be most visible on the stomach, breasts, hips, thighs, and buttocks—areas where larger amounts of fat are typically stored. There are a number of different factors that can contribute to the development of stretch marks. There are many different causes of stretch marks, from changes in weight to pregnancy and puberty. However, the most common cause of stretch marks is due to rapid weight gain or loss. When the skin stretches quickly, it can cause the collagen fibers to break down, resulting in stretch marks.

There are a number of treatment options available for stretch marks. topical creams and lotions can help to improve the appearance of stretch marks by increasing hydration and elasticity. laser treatments can also be effective in reducing the appearance of stretch marks by stimulating collagen production. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you should speak to your doctor before using any treatments as some ingredients may not be safe for your baby.

Stretch marks are markings that often appear on the skin during periods of fast growth or change. They’re most common during puberty, pregnancy, and after sudden weight gain. Between 40 and 90% of pregnant women get them. Up to 30% of adolescent girls and boys have them too.

For many people, stretch marks are a source of frustration and embarrassment. Fortunately, there are ways to minimize their appearance and even get rid of them completely. In this article, we’ll discuss what causes stretch marks and some of the best treatments available.

What Causes Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks happen when your skin stretches or shrinks too quickly. There are a number of factors that can cause stretch marks, including pregnancy, gain or loss of weight, changes in body composition, and pubertal growth spurts. There is no surefire way to prevent stretch marks from occurring, but there are some things you can do to minimize your risk. Keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using a moisturizer regularly. eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy body weight will also help to keep your skin stretched taut.

Stretch marks are markings that often appear on the skin during periods of rapid growth or weight gain. Though they're more common in women, both sexes can get them. Stretch marks happen when the skin is stretched beyond its normal capacity, causing the dermis (the middle layer of skin) to tear. This results in a markings or indentations on the surface of the skin. Though they're not dangerous, stretch marks can be unsightly, which is why many people look for ways to get rid of them. There are a number of different treatments for stretch marks, though none of them are guaranteed to work. Some popular methods include topical creams and lotions, laser therapy, and microdermabrasion. There are many different causes of stretch marks, but the most common cause is pregnancy. Stretch marks occur when the skin stretches or shrinks rapidly, causing the collagen and elastin fibers in the skin to break down. This can happen during pregnancy as the skin stretches to accommodate the growing belly. Other causes of stretch marks include weight gain or weight loss, pubertal growth spurts, and bodybuilding.

Stretch marks can occur anywhere on the body, but they are most commonly seen on the stomach, breasts, hips, buttocks, and thighs. They typically appear as lines or streaks that are slightly darker than your surrounding skin color. In some cases they may be itchy or painful.

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Why You Feel Dizzy After Standing Up: Causes, Risks and When to Worry

Most people have experienced a brief spell of dizziness after standing up too quickly. While an occasional episode is usually harmless, frequent or severe dizziness should not be ignored. Understanding why you feel dizzy after standing up helps identify whether it is a simple postural response or a sign of an underlying health condition.

In India, dehydration, anemia and blood pressure disorders make postural dizziness a common complaint across age groups.

What Happens in the Body When You Stand Up

When you move from sitting or lying down to standing:

gravity pulls blood toward the legs
blood pressure briefly drops
the heart and blood vessels must respond quickly

Normally, the nervous system adjusts within seconds to maintain blood flow to the brain.

Orthostatic Hypotension: The Most Common Cause

Orthostatic hypotension occurs when blood pressure drops significantly upon standing.

This leads to:

lightheadedness
blurred vision
weakness
near-fainting

WHO and ICMR recognise orthostatic hypotension as a major cause of postural dizziness.

Why the Brain Feels Dizzy

The brain is highly sensitive to reduced oxygen.

Even a brief drop in blood flow can cause:

dizziness
confusion
visual dimming

Once circulation normalises, symptoms usually resolve.

Dehydration and Fluid Loss

Dehydration reduces blood volume.

Common causes include:

inadequate water intake
excessive sweating
vomiting or diarrhoea
hot weather

NFHS-5 data shows dehydration-related symptoms are common during Indian summers.

Anemia and Low Hemoglobin Levels

Anemia reduces oxygen-carrying capacity of blood.

Symptoms include:

dizziness on standing
fatigue
breathlessness

Iron deficiency anemia is a frequent contributor, especially among women.

Blood Pressure Medications and Dizziness

Certain medications increase postural dizziness risk:

antihypertensives
diuretics
heart medications

These drugs can exaggerate blood pressure drops when standing.

Heart-Related Causes

Heart conditions may impair the ability to adjust blood flow.

Possible causes include:

slow heart rate
arrhythmias
heart valve disorders

Persistent dizziness requires cardiac evaluation.

Nervous System Disorders

The autonomic nervous system regulates blood pressure changes.

Conditions affecting it include:

diabetes-related nerve damage
Parkinson’s disease
long-standing alcohol use

ICMR reports note increasing autonomic dysfunction in chronic disease patients.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Apart from iron, deficiencies of:

vitamin B12
folate

can affect nerve function and circulation, worsening dizziness.

Standing Too Quickly

Sudden posture changes overwhelm the body’s adjustment mechanism.

This is more likely:

after prolonged sitting
early in the morning
after heavy meals

Rising slowly reduces symptoms.

Age and Postural Dizziness

Older adults are more vulnerable due to:

slower reflexes
reduced blood vessel elasticity
multiple medications

Fall risk increases with recurrent dizziness.

Warning Signs That Need Medical Attention

Seek medical care if dizziness:

occurs frequently
leads to fainting
is associated with chest pain
occurs with weakness or slurred speech

These may indicate serious conditions.

How Dizziness Affects Daily Life

Repeated episodes can:

increase fall risk
reduce confidence
impair work productivity

Early evaluation improves safety and quality of life.

How Doctors Evaluate Standing Dizziness

Evaluation may include:

blood pressure measurements lying and standing
blood tests for anemia and electrolytes
heart rhythm tests
neurological assessment

Diagnosis focuses on identifying root causes.

Lifestyle Measures to Reduce Dizziness

Helpful strategies include:

drinking adequate fluids
standing up slowly
avoiding sudden posture changes
increasing salt intake if advised
wearing compression stockings

Lifestyle correction often reduces symptoms significantly.

Role of Preventive Health Checkups

Regular health screenings help detect:

anemia
blood pressure abnormalities
metabolic conditions

Preventive care reduces complications from postural dizziness.

Importance of Heat and Hydration Awareness

Indian climate increases dehydration risk.

WHO heat-health advisories recommend:

regular fluid intake
avoiding prolonged standing in heat

These steps reduce dizziness episodes.

Long-Term Outlook

Most cases of postural dizziness are manageable.

When underlying causes are treated:

symptoms improve
quality of life increases
fall risk decreases

Timely care prevents progression.

Conclusion

Understanding why you feel dizzy after standing up is essential for protecting your health. While occasional dizziness is often due to sudden posture changes or dehydration, frequent episodes may indicate low blood pressure, anemia, medication effects or nervous system issues. Paying attention to symptoms, maintaining hydration and seeking medical evaluation when needed can prevent complications and ensure long-term wellbeing.

References

World Health Organization (WHO) – Blood Pressure and Postural Hypotension
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Cardiovascular and Autonomic Studies
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Anemia and Adult Health Data
Lancet – Orthostatic Hypotension and Fall Risk Research
NITI Aayog – Non-Communicable Disease and Preventive Health Reports
Statista – Global Dizziness and Blood Pressure Trends

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