How do cortisol steroids lead to stretch marks?

Stretch marks are scars formed by stretching of the skin combined with hormonal fluctuations. They are caused by a variety of factors including weight gain or loss, pregnancy, hormonal changes, weight lifting, and the use of cortisol steroid medications. Cortisol is topical and is found in prescription topical creams and ointments. While many cases of those ugly marks occur for natural reasons, those caused by cortisol are a direct result of medication. It is important to note that while most cases of stretch marks are treatable, cortisol steroid stretch marks are often irreversible.

How do cortisol steroids cause stretch marks?
Cortisol steroids are prescribed for many reasons and are extremely beneficial when it comes to treating certain skin conditions. Conditions that are treated with cortisol include psoriasis, ear infections, acne, allergic reactions, and eczema. While cortisol steroids minimize pain, swelling, and irritation, they often cause adverse side effects, especially in sensitive individuals. Side effects include hives and blisters, irritation, itching, and stretch marks. Stretch marks due to topical steroid cortisol occur when the medication is applied too frequently, which first leads to general thinning of the skin. If the skin is thinned and stretched over a long period of time, irreversible and often intractable stretch marks can appear. Stretch marks caused by cortisol steroids often appear on the inner thighs, in the creases of the knees and elbows, and directly under the arms. While these stretch marks are usually irreversible, the good news is that there are natural treatments that help minimize their appearance, and there are also a variety of natural alternatives to topical cortisol steroid creams.

Natural treatments for skin inflammation
Cortisol is naturally produced by the body and plays a key role in regulating bodily functions. Cortisol steroids work by minimizing the inflammation that occurs in eczema, psoriasis, and a variety of skin conditions. While there is absolutely no argument as to how well cortisol steroids work in minimizing pain and inflammation, it is always best to take a more natural approach to skin treatment to avoid side effects including stretch marks. Natural remedies for eczema and psoriasis include lavender, shea butter, aloe vera cream, and retinol. For extremely dry skin, all natural creams that contain high concentrations of vitamin E, cocoa butter, shea butter, and grapeseed oil are extremely beneficial in treating and healing the affected areas. If you must use cortisol steroids for a specific medical condition, alternating your steroid cream with a natural remedy and limiting your use of the ointment may help prevent stretch marks from forming.

Natural Alternatives to Cortisol Steroids
While cortisol steroids often seem like the only option when it comes to inflammatory skin conditions, there are several natural alternatives that are known to have the same anti-inflammatory properties as cortisone creams. Olive oil contains a special compound called olecanthal which is known for its healing properties and has been used for centuries in the Mediterranean as a skin treatment and food additive. White willow bark has been used for over 3,000 years in Egypt for a variety of treatments due to its high concentration of salicin, a natural ingredient that has the same anti-inflammatory properties as aspirin.

In conclusion
Cortisol steroid creams provide effective treatment for a variety of skin conditions, but the downside is that these creams can cause stretch marks if overused. If you have been prescribed a cortisol cream to treat an inflammatory condition, it is important that you also consider the natural alternatives available to you. Natural creams and ointments are extremely beneficial for a variety of skin conditions and inflammation issues, and you don’t have to worry about side effects like skin irritation. By weighing your options before starting a cortisol regimen, you’ll be able to make an informed decision when it comes to your skin treatment needs.