Why Do Stretch Marks Itch And How To Stop It

According to the World Heart Federation, 2.7 billion children and adults in the world are living with obesity. When they try to lose weight, more often than not, stretch marks appear and after some time these stretch marks start itching, which can be really annoying. This is why we are here to tell you why do stretch marks itch and what you can do to treat and prevent it. 

What Are Stretch Marks?

Before knowing why do stretch marks itch, we shall first know why stretch marks occur and then take it from there. Stretch marks are red or white lines that you can see near your abdomen, thighs, hips and other body parts where fat was stored. The main reason for stretch marks is sudden weight loss. You might not notice them after pregnancy or when you lose extreme weight. But when they cause extreme itching, which can be annoying. Although stretch marks are not medically harmful, the itching they cause can cause discomfort and that is why it’s important to know why do stretch marks itch and how to get rid of them. 

Why Do Stretch Marks Itch?

To understand why do stretch marks itch, we first have to look at our skin’s construction. Our skin is not a thin layer of fat. Three layers make up to be your skin. The outermost layer is called the Epidermis, the one in the middle is called the Dermis and the last layer is called the Hypodermis. Stretch marks are caused when the body weight fluctuates and the middle layer of skin, Dermis is injured. When the Dermis is injured, Hypodermis try to heal it and the stretch marks become red or pinkish. This is when the itching starts. When the lower layer of our skin heals the dermis, the nerve cells around that part of the body give us a tickling sensation. The same thing happens when you have an open wound and it starts to heal. So the healing of the skin is your answer to why do stretch marks itch. 

Some Of The Major Reasons For Stretch Marks 

After knowing why do stretch marks itch, we need to know the reasons for stretch marks. The major reason for stretch marks is the sudden fluctuation in weight, which can be caused in a plethora of ways. For example:

1- Pregnancy can cause you to gain weight and leave your body with stretch marks. 

2- Frequent hormonal fluctuations can also cause sudden weight change.

3- Crushing syndrome can also prove to be a reason for stretch marks and a sudden weight change. 

4- Marfan’s Syndrome

5- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

How To Relief The Itching?

Now that we know why stretch marks itch, let’s have a look at the things you can do to avoid it. Scratching stretch marks may feel good, but you shouldn’t do it because if you scratch your stretch marks, you can damage your skin.  But don’t worry; we have some of the best home remedies to deal with stretch marks and itching. 

1- Cocoa Butter

One of the best remedies for stretch marks is Cocoa butter as its hydrating properties make sure that your skin remains hydrated. This home remedy is best for pregnant women because the more your skin is hydrated, the better it will be in adapting to weight change without stretch marks.

2- Coconut Oil

It’s no surprise that coconut is a miracle fruit, its water can be used as a home remedy to fight the sun and stay hydrated and its oil can be used to hydrate your skin. For starters, it is anti-bacterial and helps your skin remain hydrated for a long time. A study conducted in 2018 shows that skin wounds healed a lot quicker when coconut oil was applied. Coconut oil is probably the best home remedy for dry and itchy skin, and there are no side effects as long as you’re not allergic to it. It is also one of the best home remedies for itchy scalp as well. 

3- Aloe Vera

Why do stretch marks itch? Mainly because of the lack of hydration. Just like coconut oil, Aloe vera gel, extracted directly from the leaves of the plant, is another natural home remedy with some exceptional skin benefits. Aloe vera has a long history of people applying it on their skin to soothe and moisturise it. The gel also has skin-healing properties, and because stretch marks are a type of wound or a scar, aloe vera’s healing ability helps prevent them and heal the scars. 

4- Moisturisers 

If you don’t want to put coconut oil and aloe vera gel onto your face, you can always opt for other oils or moisturisers. The sole focus of a moisturiser is to hydrate your skin and make it smooth, which can help in healing stretch marks. Make sure you use organic and chemical-free moisturisers, as they have little to no side effects. 

Our Take

Stretch marks might not look like a big problem, but if you don’t treat them properly, they can cause some serious problems and even leave a scar for life. So now you know why do stretch marks itch and how to treat and prevent them. So, we recommend using the most suitable remedy to eliminate all your stretch marks.