Causes for Stretch Marks on Stomach Other Than Pregnancy

No one’s first in line to show off their stretch marks. There are; however, causes of stretch marks that are more widely discussed than others – the most popular being pregnancy.

If you have stretch marks on your stomach, but are not pregnant, nor have you ever been, you’re not alone. Below we discuss several other common causes of abdominal stretch marks.

Rapid Weight Gain & Loss

Rapid weight gain may result in stretch marks as your skin is struggling to stretch as far as your body is demanding.

Rapid weight loss can also result in stretch marks. Large amounts of excess skin, prior to losing weight, can weigh down other areas of skin and cause tearing, or stretch marks.

Corticosteroid Creams

Topical corticosteroids are used to treat skin conditions such as rash, dermatitis, itching, eczema and psoriasis.

Using corticosteroids for a long period of time can lead to loss of skin elasticity and deterioration of skin cells. The skin losing its ability to stretch leads to stretch marks.

Cushing Syndrome

Cushing syndrome, also known as hypercortisolism, is caused by your body having abnormally high levels of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol has many different functions including regulating metabolism, acting as an anti-inflammatory, and controlling salt and water balance.*

While the abnormally high levels of cortisol can happen for a variety of reasons, the most common cause is overuse of corticosteroid medications. These medications are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, asthma, allergies and many other conditions. Other causes of high cortisol levels include stress, malnutrition, alcoholism and depression.

Among the symptoms of Cushing Syndrome are weight gain, obesity and fatty deposits around the midsection, face, and upper back. This rapid weight gain can lead to dark purple or red stretch marks.

Connective Tissue Disorders

Marfan’s Syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) are inherited connective tissue disorders that affect your entire body’s growth. Your connective tissue provides support for your skeletal system and your organs.

Marfan’s Syndrome causes a change in physical characteristics – individuals with this condition are typically tall and lanky and have large feet and disproportionately long fingers. Marfan’s Syndrome also weakens your skin’s ability to stretch, resulting in possible stretch marks around the waist, back and shoulders.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome causes hypermobility, or an unusually large range of movement in the joints and weakens the formation of collagen. As a result, individuals with this condition may have very fragile, thin, translucent skin. Weakened connective tissue and thin skin can lead to visible stretch marks.

Reduce the Appearance of Stretch Marks on Your Stomach

If you’re uncomfortable with the stretch marks that have developed on your stomach as a result of one of the conditions above, there are several steps you can take to reduce their appearance.

One of the safest and easiest ways to reduce purple or red stretch marks on your stomach is through the ReTone Method. Simply exfoliate your skin daily in the shower and apply a cream twice a day. It’s that easy!

*Source: http://www.yourhormones.info/hormones/cortisol/