Itchy stretch marks can be extremely irritating and uncomfortable. You may find them on your abdomen, hips, thighs, or other parts of your body. If you find yourself scratching them throughout the day or struggling to sleep at night, we don’t blame you. In this post, we’re sharing the best itchy stretch marks treatments that are natural and nourishing.
What are Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks are small tears that start in the middle layer of your skin and extend up into the top layer of your skin. Although stretch marks can sometimes run horizontally, they most often run vertically along your body. They appear as white, red, or discoloured lines. Although they can occur anywhere on the body, they tend to develop in areas where you’ve gained a lot of weight in a short amount of time. For this reason, it’s common to develop stretch marks during pregnancy and puberty. Stretch marks can also develop when your skin has to compensate for rapid growth.
Because stretch marks usually form gradually over the span of one or two months, there’s little pain involved. Your body will try to heal the ‘wound’ after the first tear occurs but the skin on top will stay dry and tight even after the tear has healed. That’s why dry skin often makes the problem worse.
Who develops stretch marks?
As we mentioned, pregnant women are prone to developing scratch marks as their skin stretches to accommodate a growing baby. These stretch marks typically develop in the hips, thigh, and stomach areas.
That said, non-pregnancy stretch marks can also occur. A person is more likely to develop stretch marks if they have a family history of stretch marks, experience rapid muscle growth, are experiencing puberty, or experience frequent weight fluctuations.
Why are Stretch Marks Itchy?
Stretch marks are itchy for two reasons: dry skin and small scars. Dry skin occurs due to lack of moisture in your skin. It results from the weakening, or complete breakdown, of a skin barrier which is why dry skin is a prime symptom of eczema. The hormonal imbalance during pregnancy can also lead to dry skin as the hydrolipidic barrier is no longer functioning at 100%.
Fresh stretch marks, which tend to be red or pink, are more likely to be itchy than healed stretch marks which are white. These active stretch marks tend to be itchier as the skin is thinner. When they are just developing, scars are forming which causes changes in the collagen. In general, healing skin is often itchy. When the skin tears, the nerves create an itching sensation.
Finding Itchy Stretch Marks Relief
The best way to find itchy stretch marks relief is to keep the skin well hydrated with the help from natural moisturizers. We love this Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream because it’s super soft on even the most sensitive skin. It’s made with just 6 ingredients, including the ever powerful manuka honey. An oil-based balm, it does wonders replenishing the skin’s moisture and keeping itchiness at bay.
And of course, it’s important to protect your skin from scratching. This Remedywear™ Long Sleeve Shirt for adults and kids protects the arm, chest, stomach, and back. Plus, the zinc-infused fabric also helps boost the healing process. The stretchy and form-fitting material is breathable so the shirt is great for wearing underneath regular clothing during the day without any added bulk.
For stretch marks on the thighs and hips, check out these Remedywear™ Pants for adults and kids. Featuring moisture-wicking sweat control, the protective pants are comfortable to wear all day or night long. They’re the perfect solution for treating itchy skin on the legs.
