Treating cracked skin

Skin cracks

Skin cracks are common in our world, especially for females, and although this problem does not represent a real threat to the health of the individual, it affects the aesthetic aspect of his appearance, and cracks are also known as stretch marks, which is a type of scarring. They appear in the form of long and thin lines on the skin as a result of its large and rapid expansion, and these cracks often appear on the abdomen, chest, thighs, buttocks, and arms. ^[1]

Skin cracks occur in the middle layer, which is the dermis, when the skin exposes a sudden expansion or contraction as a result of pregnancy , puberty, or rapid weight gain or loss, and if the elasticity of the connective tissues in the skin does not tolerate this sudden change, it occurs It is torn in the layer of the dermis to show the layers beneath it, and accordingly the cracks are initially in the form of wrinkled and raised lines diagonally in color to red, purple, or pink and then gradually turn into flat white or silver lines as a result of the appearance of the lower fat, and it is worth noting that The use of skin creams and preparations that contain cortisone ( Cortisone ) reduces collagen and the strength of the skin fibers, thus increasing the chance of skin cracks forming or increasing their severity. ^[1]

Treating cracked skin

Cracks can disappear on their own or become less noticeable after a period of time, as happens after a pregnant woman gives birth to her child between 6-12 months, and makeup can be used to temporarily hide the cracks, ^{[1] ]} It is interesting to consider that the available treatments for skin cracks are expensive and may not ensure full recovery of them, but may improve the overall appearance of the skin. ^[2]

Medical treatments

Here are some treatments and medical procedures that improve cracks:

• Tretinoin cream:, which is a derivative of vitamin A, when used topically on the skin, it may help to treat recent pink or red cracks that appeared a few months ago, as Tretinoin works To rebuild the fibrous protein present in the skin, which gives it its elasticity, which is called collagen, but this treatment is prohibited for pregnant women because of its expected damage to the fetus, and this treatment may cause a skin allergy. ^{[2] [3]}
• Pulsed dye laser therapy: and it is shed stream of light is painful to stretch marks and cracks of modern red color; This calms the blood vessels that may cause these signs, ^{[4] and} also encourages the growth of collagen and elastin, and it is worth noting that this type of treatment may cause a change in skin color for people with darker skinned people. ^[2]
• Fractional CO2 laser therapy: is a new type of laser treatments, uses old-colored white cracks. ^[4]
• Microdermabrasion: helps this treatment to improve the appearance of the old cracks, using a manual device that micro - crystals blowing tiny on the skin; So that a thin layer of the skin is peeled off and the growth and appearance of a new, flexible skin layer is stimulated. ^{[2] [3]}
• Excimer laser treatment: This type of treatment stimulates the production of more melanin, which is the pigment that gives the skin its distinctive color, and thus the color of the cracks converges with the surrounding skin and the marks become less apparent. ^[2]
• Cosmetic surgery: The surgical option is expensive and somewhat painful, in addition to the possibility of scarring and effects of the operation. ^[4]
• Collagen needles: It is a new method for treating cracks, in which collagen is injected directly under the upper dermal layer. ^[5]

Home and natural remedies

There are many natural substances that help reduce the annoying appearance of cracks and try to speed up their disappearance, and here are some of them: ^{[4] [5]}

• Vitamin A: is vitamin A is beneficial to the health of the skin and makes it look fresh and healthy, and through the use of topical vitamin A summary of natural or oral, and the most important natural sources of vitamin A are carrots , sweet potatoes.
• Sugar Exfoliation using sugar is similar to the method of making a medical crystal peel, and a mixture of sugar and softening oils and softeners such as coconut oil or almond oil and a little lemon juice is prepared; So that the area that contains the cracks is rubbed for a period of about ten minutes several times a week, with the aim of peeling the upper layer of skin.
• Aloe Vera: The substance extracted from the aloe vera plant can help treat stretch marks and make the skin soft and smooth. And that is by applying it to the cracks daily after showering.
• Hyaluronic acid: when using the acid compendium of natural hyaluronic or capsules containing this acid, it stimulates the production of collagen responsible for giving the skin look healthy, which is necessary because the production of collagen in the body decreases with age.
• Coconut oil: (Coconut oil) Since it helps reduce the time it takes to treat wounds, daily use of coconut oil may help improve the appearance of stretch marks and scars resulting from chapped skin.
• Natural refreshments: There are a wide range of natural oils and refreshments that will keep the moisture and softness of the skin and of them; Cocoa butter, shea butter , vitamin E oil, olive oil, and bitter almond oil, but there is no evidence to prove their effectiveness in reducing or preventing cracking.
• Earth navel: (in Latin: Centella asiatica), earthen leg oil may help treat cracks by stimulating collagen synthesis in the body and building of skin tissue.

Prevention of cracks in the skin

Although there is no way to prevent skin cracks even with the use of moisturizing creams, some measures can be taken that may help prevent skin cracks and reduce the chance of stretch marks, including: ^{[1] [2]}

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals important for healthy skin, such as; Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Zinc, and Silicon.
• Drink enough water.
• Exercising regularly.
• Ensure that the weight gain during pregnancy is gradual and slow.

References

1. ^ ^{A b t w} Hannah Nichols , (5-1-2018), "How To Do the I the get rid 's Of Stretch Marks?" , Www.medicalnewstoday.com , Retrieved 20-2-2018. Edited.
2. ^ ^{A b t w c h} Elea Carey (1-9-2017), "Stretch Marks" , Www.healthline.com , Retrieved 20-2-2018. Edited.
3. ^ ^{A b} Mayo , Clinic Staff (7-1-2016), "Stretch Marks" , Www.mayoclinic.org , Retrieved 20-2-2018. Edited.
4. ^ ^{A b t w} of Sabrina Felson (30-1-2017), "Can You Tweet Get the Rid Of Stretch Marks?" , Www.webmd.com , Retrieved 20-2-2018. Edited.
5. ^ ^{A b} Kathryn Watson is (26-4-2017), "Menu Home Remedies For Stretch Marks: 5 Ingredients To Try" , Www.healthline.com , Retrieved 20-2-2018. Edited.