Pregnant women are not the only ones who can develop stretch marks. It is a common occurrence in pre-teens and teenagers. If your child has developed stretch marks, this is what you need to know.
What Causes Stretch Marks?
The reason stretch marks develop in adolescents is basically the same as why they develop in pregnant women. Stretch marks are the result of sudden growth spurts. In the case of pre-teens and teenagers, the growth spurt caused by puberty causes the skin to adapt quickly by stretching.
Stretch marks typically appear on the thighs, breasts, and hips. They sometimes appear on the upper arms and buttocks. Stretch marks are not a sign of a medical problem, but they are a cosmetic issue.
How Can Your Child Get Rid of Stretch Marks?
The good news about the stretch marks your child has is that that they usually fade over time. When stretch marks first appear, they have a purplish or reddish appearance. As they fade, they tend to look like less noticeable silvery lines.
If your child is concerned with the appearance of the stretch marks, there are some medical treatments that can potentially help. For instance, stretch mark creams have been used by some people in an effort to get rid of them. Look for a cream that has a high SPF level. Too much sun exposure can cause the stretch marks to look darker and more noticeable.
Another possible treatment is laser therapy. The therapy does not get rid of the stretch marks, but it can dramatically reduce the appearance of them. Your child's dermatologist might be reluctant to perform laser therapy until your child has finished growing. New growth spurts could lead to more stretching and cause new lines to appear.
Can You Hide the Stretch Marks?
You can help your pre-teen or teenager hide the stretch marks from view without making too many modifications to his or her wardrobe. For instance, if your teen has them on her legs, she can wear a bathing suit that has boy-short style legs. A teen boy can wear a rash guard or rash vest while on the beach to hide his stretch marks.
Other stretch marks can be hidden with body makeup. As with the stretch mark cream, look for makeup that offers sun protection, too.
Your child's dermatologist can help you identify other ways to help your pre-teen or teenager deal with stretch marks. For more information, look at a company or product like Apothederm.
