Stretch marks caused by corticosteroids

Posted on 14 Jun, 2011

Corticosteroids are a type of medication that contains steroids or a form of the hormone. They can be taken in tablet, inhaler, cream or injection form, and are used to reduce inflammation, suppress the immune system or as a hormone replacement.

They are one form of treatment for skin conditions such as eczema, as they reduce the inflammation and redness associated with the skin condition. They act in a similar way to cortisol, which is a hormone the body produces naturally.

While they can help to reduce the inflammation in the skin, they can also reduce the collagen present in the skin which provides elasticity. Without enough collagen, the skin is more likely to stretch, resulting in stretch marks that may take time to disappear, if they do at all.

Luckily, microdermabrasion and laser can provide effective stretch mark removal treatment. The deep skin exfoliation stimulates regeneration, while the laser can encourage the growth of new skin cells and the production of collagen, making the new skin growth smooth and supple.

Stretch marks can be unsightly and a real cause for concern for some people who can find they affect their self-confidence dramatically. Stretch mark removal can significantly reduce their appearance, however, and allow new healthy skin to grow in their place.