What topical ointment can be used to remove red stretch marks?
Since giving birth last year, I have been continuously gaining weight without being able to lose it. Red stretch marks from weight gain are visible on areas such as my abdomen and thighs. I would like to consult a doctor about what topical ointments can be used to remove them?
Doctor's answer (1)
Red stretch marks, also known as "striae" or "stretch marks," are caused when the skin is stretched rapidly due to growth or weight gain, leading to the rupture of elastic fibers and the formation of reddish streaks on the skin surface. They commonly appear on areas such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, and breasts. Initially red or purplish-red, they gradually fade to a silvery-white color over time. The goal of treating red stretch marks is to promote skin repair and improve their appearance.
For the removal of red stretch marks, the following topical treatments are recommended:
1. Vitamin E ointment: Vitamin E has antioxidant properties that help reduce skin damage and assist in fading stretch marks.
2. Tretinoin cream: Tretinoin cream has anti-inflammatory properties and can help relieve symptoms such as itching associated with stretch marks. It also promotes skin cell turnover to some extent, aiding in improving their appearance.
3. Madecassoside cream: Madecassoside cream promotes collagen synthesis and reduces inflammation, assisting in the repair of damaged skin tissue. It may offer some improvement for red stretch marks caused by the rupture of elastic fibers.
4. Heparin sodium and allantoin gel: This compound preparation is suitable for treating hypertrophic scars, such as pregnancy stretch marks and obesity-related stretch marks.
