A Consultant Dermatologist and Venereologist with Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Dr. Sebastien Oiwoh, has urged Nigerians to always seek medical intervention early for stretch marks.
According to Oiwoh, consulting a dermatologist once the skin scarring is noticed can help ensure better treatment outcomes for the condition.
The consultant dermatologist explained that stretch marks can be successfully treated in their early stages, noting that late presentation at the hospital makes it harder for them to be treated.
Speaking with PUNCH HealthWise in an interview, Oiwoh said, “The earlier one presents to the dermatologists with stretch marks, the better. The earlier stage, when it presents with red lines (striae rubra) on the body, is usually better for presentation as it helps ensure successful treatment by the dermatologist.
“But when it becomes white lines (striae alba) with some depressions, it comes with more difficulty with possible in treatment.”
He also cautioned people who engage in bodybuilding, noting that such exercise can equally lead to the development of stretch marks.
Oiwoh also warned against the use of skin lightening, toning and bleaching creams, stressing that they can cause stretch marks. According to him, the stretch marks caused by skin lightening creams are wider, larger, and more widespread.
Recall that data released by CNN recently revealed that Nigerian women are the highest consumers of skin whitening products. According to the data, 75 per cent of Nigerian women consume skin whitening products, followed by Senegal, Mali and Ghana.