A lot of us struggle with having inner thigh stretch marks. But, did you know that they are not all the same?
Inner thigh stretch marks are most common. At the very least, they may be the most common ones we complain about. However, there are different types of stretch marks on the inner thighs.
These are the ones most moms are familiar with. Some form because of medical history with certain medications. Some stretch marks are dark. Others take on a lighter, pinkish hue. The point is that stretch marks come in all colors and appearances.
Are you interested? Read on to learn more about the other types of stretch marks besides the inner thigh variety many complain about.
Striae Gravidarum
Pregnancy comes with many changes. Many moms — new or otherwise — have experienced the cravings and hormonal changes that accompany having a baby. One of the other common changes that occur during pregnancy is tissue damage — particularly on the skin.
Stretch marks that appear during pregnancy are collectively known as striae gravidarum. Striae gravidarum are atrophic. They line the sides of the abdominal region and often appear sometime between the seventh and eight months of pregnancy.
Striae gravidarum can be long-lasting, causing emotional distress and body image issues in women, according to a 2017 study. The same study found that applying tretinoin cream early in pregnancy prevents inner thigh stretch marks that occur in pregnancy.
Striae Atrophicans
A clinical article from 2012 found that a history of corticosteroid use leads to the thinning of the skin. This may not be life-threatening, but thinner skin is a sign of lesser collagen. The less collagen you have in your skin, the more likely stretch marks will appear.
Striae atrophicans also appear in people with certain medical conditions. Of these conditions, Cushing’s disease is the most common associated illness.
Striae atrophicans appears often in front of the abdominal region. Inner thigh stretch marks from striae atrophicans are also common, taking on a line-like appearance.
Striae Nigrae
Some of us have darker complexions than others. As a result, inner thigh stretch marks can take on a dark or grayish color. This is known as striae nigrae.
The darker shade that colors striae nigrae is due to melanin. Whenever the skin struggles to stretch, stretch marks occur. The damage to the skin that brings about stretch marks allows some melanin to collect into the break.
The results are stretch marks that are either dark brown or gray.
Striae Rubrae
You may have seen stretch marks that look like reddish depressions on the skin. This is called striae rubrae and is one of the most common stretch marks you will ever see.
These marks are common because these stretch marks can form anywhere. These stretch marks are also a sign that the skin is beginning to struggle with being overstretched.
When left unmanaged, striae rubrae can become wider and longer. As the stretch marks of striae rubrae increase in size and length, the surrounding skin loses its elastic fibers, according to My Med.
Past the six-month mark, the elevations that surround the depressions flatten to the level of the red or pink marks. The reddish hue often fades to become lighter when this occurs.
Striae Albae
Striae albae are those white stretch marks you see on the abdomen and inner thighs. These are the result of having stretch marks for longer than six months. Often, they appear right after striae rubrae.
These usually last for a long time. They line the inner thighs, the abdominal region, and at times the lower back.
Different Types of Stretch Marks, Same Treatment
Inner thigh stretch marks may vary in type, but trust me, you can manage them the same way.
With prevention, the right topical cream, and a trip to your dermatologist, you’ll see that restoring your skin may not be a stretch after all.
