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The ugly red stretch marks that you refer to are unfortunately a natural result of "bulking up." It can happen whenever the skin is stretched out rapidly, but it is quite unpredictable. You may notice these marks on powerlifters, body builders, football players, and even on the overweight and pregnant. The only time these marks are worrisome from a medical standpoint is when they are accompanied by fat build up, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar problems. The likelihood of this problem is very small, but if you are wondering, just get a complete physical.
In addition, anabolic steroid use can be associated with terrible stretch marks. These steroids are also associated with serious injuries (like disc herniations in the back, ACL ruptures in the knee, and even pectoralis major ruptures in the chest), liver problems (from jaundice to cancer), hair loss, and testicular shrinkage. Please avoid these products if they are offered to you.
Stretch marks are actually scar tissue and there is no simple or effective treatment for them. The color will fade from red to a more natural skin tone with time, so be patient.
Posted 5-25-01
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