Do you know what causes red cracks to appear?
- الحمل.
- Weight loss.
- Increase muscle mass.
These signs are a natural part of the way your body adapts to the different stages of growth and change that you may be experiencing.
What are red cracks?
Red cracks, also known as red stretch marks, are a type of scar. They occur as a response to the skin rapidly expanding, either growing or shrinking, which leads to the rupture of the collagen and elastin fibers that support the skin.
These cracks may be red at first, and their color may range from the following
- rosy.
- purple.
- blue.
- black.
They are often raised and itchy, but within a few months these marks fade and turn white.
- البطن.
- الفخذين.
- الوركين.
- الأرداف.
These marks may also spread on the arms and legs of athletes who suffer from rapid muscle growth.
Learn about: Stretch marks, their causes, types, and the best methods of treatment and prevention
Reasons for the appearance of red cracks
Doctors may not know why some people develop red cracks, but it appears that hormones and genes may play a role.
These cracks often appear during, or after, the following:
- Weight changes
Cause زيادة الوزن Significantly, and in a short period of time, pressure on the stretched skin;
- الحمل
You may notice rapid growth spurts in the body during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, especially in the abdomen, thigh, and hip area. Increased pressure may lead to stretching of the skin and the appearance of these signs.
- Growth spurts
Red cracks can appear in teenagers during puberty, as a result of rapid body growth.
- Rapid muscle growth
Weight training and body building may lead to the appearance of red stretch marks, as a result of significant muscle growth in a short period of time.
- Breast enlargement
Breast augmentation with silicone implants is likely to cause stretching of the skin in the chest area and the appearance of these marks.
In addition to body size changes, red cracks may be caused by certain medications and underlying health problems, such as:
- الكورتيكوستيرويدات
Using these medications, such as hydrocortisone, for long periods may cause your skin to thin, putting you at risk of developing red stretch marks.
- Medications that inhibit collagen formation, including high blood pressure medications and cancer medications.
- Cushing's syndrome.
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
The difference between red and white cracks
The difference between red and white cracks lies in the following table
| Red cracks | White cracks | |
| التعريف | These cracks are newly formed red lines, known as red stretch marks. | Small cracks, known as white lines, are the older stage of stretch marks. |
| Appearance | They are often raised and itchy. | Flat and does not cause itching. |
| the reason | It occurs as a result of the skin stretching rapidly, which leads to the rupture of collagen and elastin fibers.
As a result, the skin thins, and blood vessels begin to appear, hence the red color. |
It occurs due to narrow blood vessels, which makes it difficult to stimulate collagen production in that area.
Thus, the skin becomes less vibrant, and cracks appear. |
| Treatment with topical creams | Topical creams may contribute to collagen restoration; | It cannot be treated with topical creams. |
| Treatment methods | Laser treatments, such as pulsed dye, may help regenerate cells and effectively reduce these marks. | may contribute Excimer laser، Fraxel improves texture and lightens color. |
Book your consultation now at مركز الجلدية والتجميل At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital.
The best ways to treat red cracks at home
You can try home treatments to help reduce the appearance of red stretch marks, including the following
- Natural oils
Some people prefer these oils, because they are natural alternatives to over-the-counter lotions and creams, including:
- Almond oil.
- palm oil.
- olive oil.
- Coconut oil.
- Over-the-counter creams
Massaging with moisturizing creams that contain ultra-moisturizing ingredients, such as cocoa butter and coconut oil, may help fade red cracks.
However, it should be noted that the results of some studies have shown that the effectiveness of these creams may be minimal in treating these signs.
- Self tanner
Topical self-tanner may help hide red stretch marks, making them less noticeable.
You should avoid tanning in the sun to get rid of these cracks, because it may darken the color of stretch marks and make them more visible.
- Glycolic acid
Some research results have shown that glycolic acid used as a chemical exfoliant may help reduce the appearance of red stretch marks.
- Body makeup
Body makeup may help reduce the redness of these cracks.
- Diet
Eating some nutrients may contribute to enhancing skin health and reducing the appearance of stretch marks, and these elements include the following
- الزنك.
- Protein.
- Vitamin A, C, and D.
When should you consult a doctor about cracks?
Red cracks are harmless and are not a symptom of any undiagnosed medical condition.
You can consult a doctor about these cracks in the following cases
- If red stretch marks appear suddenly, and for no apparent reason.
- If these signs affect your mental health, or your ability to interact socially.
Tips for preventing skin cracks before they appear
If you want to prevent red cracks, here are the following tips that may help you reduce the possibility of their occurrence, including:
-
Take omega 3
Omega-3 acids help you maintain skin freshness, and their sources include the following
- fish.
- Chia seeds.
- Flax seeds.
- Walnut.
- soybean.
-
Get vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for healthy skin, and you can get it from exposure to sunlight, in addition to eating foods that contain vitamin D, and nutritional supplements.
-
Use moisturizers
Moisturizers often help reduce the itching that occurs as the skin stretches, and studies have shown that these creams may help prevent these signs.
-
Reduce or avoid using steroid creams for itching
These creams containing cortisone may weaken skin collagen and cause stretch marks.
-
Avoid using anabolic steroids
These stimulants weaken the structure of the skin.
-
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables contain a variety of nutrients, including vitamin A, E, C, and zinc, to keep your skin healthy.
-
ممارسة الرياضة بانتظام
Regular exercise may help you lose weight and avoid weight gain in the future.
-
Use sunscreen
Exposure to direct sunlight damages collagen and elastin in the skin, increasing the likelihood of stretch marks.
-
Avoid smoking
Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin, depriving it of the oxygen needed to repair itself.
Frequently asked questions about red cracks
If you notice red cracks on your skin, many questions may arise in your mind, such as:
What do red cracks indicate?
Cracks are known as red lines and red stretch marks, and indicate rapid expansion of the skin, which leads to the rupture of collagen and elastin fibers, thinning of the skin, and the appearance of blood vessels.
How do I make the red cracks go away?
Some skin treatments may help reduce the appearance of red stretch marks, making them appear less noticeable, including the following
- Retinoid creams.
- Phototherapy and laser treatments.
- Microdermabrasion.
- اFor chemical peeling.
- Moisturizing creams.
- Self tanners.
- Glycolic acid.
Do red stretch marks disappear?
Red stretch marks don't completely go away on their own, but some skin treatments may help reduce their appearance, making them appear less noticeable.
In the end, you now realize, dear reader, what red cracks are?
Medical references
How to Treat Red Stretch Marks on Any Part of the Body – healthline
Ten tips to prevent stretch marks – medicalnewstoday
