Hello,

I'm not sure whether this should be in this section or the dating section, but here goes anyway. I am 18 years old, and by no means fat, I am a UK size 10/12. However I have these HORREDNOUS stretch marks on my boobs, hips and back and also my inner thighs and top of the legs. They're mainly whitey silvery colour, some are purple, but they shine and are really obviously! I have very little self confidence in myself as it is, as lads have always been more interested in my friends and things throughout my life, but recently I have been getting to know this lad, well actually for about 10 months and I really like him, but I keep telling myself I cannot go into a relationship as I fear that I will fall madly in love with someone then come to see my body they will run a mile. I think about it all the time and it really depresses me, NO lad is going to want a 18 year old girl covered in horrible stretch marks are they? Is there anything I can do, as it is really upsetting me! I have joined a gym in the hope if I loose weight they might shrink, but I know that's not going to happen, and to be honest I don't really need to loose weight! PLEAASE PLEASE HELP ME!

Hello friend,

Thank you for your question. I really identify with you on this issue!

Did you know that men and women get stretch marks? Neither did I for a long time.

Though that doesn't "fix" your current issue I know it is important that you understand this does happen to others too.

You are doing the right thing getting in shape. You're a good size as it is but you'll find firming up makes you look better plus there's a bonus to exercising. It really kicks depression in the rear !

The stretch marks REALLY do shrink to a point though they don't go away completely.

What I think you'll find interesting is that lads usually don't really care. If they love YOU,then they love YOU no matter what. I promise this is true.

I was more of a problem to myself with the stretch marks. (I really had and have oddles of them and it bothered me alot) It's truly quite selfish to be focused on "self" so eventually I "got over my self" !

I used to tan to help mine a little but with the current health issues in tanning I can't recommend this. A tan did make them less noticeable.

Using a good lotion on a regular basis and continuing your exercising will help you also.

Remember not to focus on the negative. It's a useless waste of time.

It's OK to talk with your friend about this situation if you want.

When you think about the true friends in your life I am sure you know they are the ones who love you no matter what just as you do them.

Real life happens everyday to all of us.

I hope you "face this dragon" of depression and let it know it's not going to rule your life.

Ask your friend if you can speak honestly with him and then explain in a simple way how this makes you feel.

Maybe he's got something he's not crazy about in his life and he needs to share with you. You just never know my friend.

Give it a try!

Let me know how it goes if you want.

Sincerely,
SmartAlex

Stretch marks can be caused by many factors, such as genetics, pregnancy, nutrition history, and weight gain. Once they appear, stretch marks are Permanent. But, stretch marks become less noticeable over time.

If surgery is not an option. There are many products designed to help treat stretch marks. Look for products that contain ingredients such as vitamin A C & E, cocoa butter, and lanolin. Using alpha hydroxy acid creams or lotions can also improve the appearance of stretch marks. It removes the dead skin cell, allowing healthier skin cells to grow. Good luck.

Try looking at:

Stretch Marks (http://www.otan.dni.us/webfarm/emailproject/stretch.htm)

Some of these methods helped me out a bit.

I have been taking steroids for a year and a half, because of a rare lung disease. Although the steroids gave me my life back I developed ugly stretch marks on my stomach , back , legs , hips and the worse my arms , I can't even wear a tank top or nice dresses I have considered laser treatment but I am unsure what to do for the best. I should be happy I have my health back but my body is not the way it use to look and it makes me really upset. What to do ?