Stretch marks: Difference between revisions

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{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2014}}
[[File:Belly Strech Marks.jpg|Stretch marks|thumb]]
:''"[[wikt:striae|Striae]]" is also a general term referring to thin, narrow grooves or channels, or a thin line or band especially if several of them are parallel or close together.''
{{Short description|Scarring of the skin due to rapid stretching}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2025}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition (new)
{{Infobox medical condition (new)
| name           = Stretch marks
| name = Stretch Marks
| image           = Belly Strech Marks.jpg
| image = Belly Stretch Marks.jpg
| caption         =
| caption = Stretch marks on the abdomen.
| pronounce      =  
| field = [[Dermatology]]
| field           = [[Dermatology]]
| synonyms = Striae, striae distensae, striae gravidarum (pregnancy-related)
| synonyms       = stria, striae distensae
| symptoms = Off-color linear streaks on the skin, itching or burning sensation in some cases
| symptoms       =  
| complications = Psychological distress, cosmetic concerns
| complications   =  
| onset = Gradual, often during periods of rapid growth or hormonal changes
| onset           =  
| duration = Can fade over time but do not completely disappear
| duration       =
| causes = Rapid skin stretching, hormonal changes, pregnancy, obesity, weight gain, puberty, corticosteroid use, genetic factors
| types          =  
| risks = Pregnancy, adolescence, obesity, rapid weight changes, genetic predisposition
| causes         =  
| diagnosis = Clinical examination
| risks           =  
| differential = Atrophic scars, dermal fibrosis, linear scleroderma
| diagnosis       =  
| prevention = Limited evidence; some topical treatments may reduce risk
| differential   =  
| treatment = Laser therapy, microdermabrasion, topical retinoids, chemical peels
| prevention     =  
| medication = Tretinoin, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid
| treatment       =  
| prognosis = Benign; usually fade but do not disappear completely
| medication     =  
| frequency = Common (affects 50–90% of pregnant women, adolescents, and individuals with rapid weight changes)
| prognosis       =  
| frequency       =
| deaths          =  
}}
}}


<!-- Definition and symptoms -->
'''Stretch marks''', medically known as '''striae''', are a form of [[scar]]ring that appears on the [[skin]] when it undergoes rapid stretching. These marks often have an off-color hue, initially appearing reddish, purplish, or pink, and gradually fading to a lighter shade over time. While they are harmless and pose no health risks, they can cause cosmetic concerns and psychological distress.<ref name="MayoClinic">{{cite web|url=https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stretch-marks/symptoms-causes/syc-20351139|title=Stretch marks: Symptoms & Causes|publisher=Mayo Clinic|accessdate=2025-03-18}}</ref>
'''Stretch marks''', also known as '''striae''', are a form of [[scar]]ring on the [[skin]] with an off-color hue. Over time they may diminish, but will not disappear completely. Stretch marks form during rapid growth of the body, such as during puberty or pregnancy. In pregnancy they usually form during the last trimester, and usually on the belly, but also commonly occur on the breasts, thighs, hips, lower back and buttocks. These are known as striae gravidarum.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://americanpregnancy.org/your-pregnancy/are-pregnancy-stretchmarks-different/ |title=Are Pregnancy Stretch Marks Different?|publisher=American Pregnancy Association|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130119091203/http://americanpregnancy.org/commondiscomforts/PE-pregnancy-stretchmarks-different.html|archivedate=19 January 2013|df=dmy-all|date=19 January 2013}}</ref>


<!-- Cause -->
Stretch marks commonly occur during puberty, pregnancy, rapid weight gain or loss, bodybuilding, and certain medical conditions. In pregnancy, they are referred to as '''striae gravidarum'''. These marks are most frequently found on the abdomen, breasts, thighs, hips, lower back, and buttocks.
Stretch marks are caused by tearing of the [[dermis]]. This is often from the rapid stretching of the skin associated with rapid growth or rapid weight changes. Stretch marks may also be influenced by hormonal changes associated with puberty, [[pregnancy]], [[bodybuilding]], or [[hormone replacement therapy]].


<!-- Prevention and treatment -->
== Signs and Symptoms ==
There is no evidence that creams used during pregnancy prevent stretch marks.<ref name=CC-Brennan-2012 /> Once they have formed there is no clearly effective treatment, though various methods have been attempted and studied.<ref name=L2014/>
Stretch marks vary in appearance depending on their age, location, and cause. The common features include:
* Initial phase – Reddish, purplish, or pink streaks that may be itchy or have a slight burning sensation.
* Later stage – The marks fade to a lighter, almost silvery or white color with a slightly sunken texture.
* Common locations – Abdomen, breasts, thighs, hips, buttocks, upper arms, and lower back.
* Texture – May feel slightly raised in the early stages and become flattened over time.


== Signs and symptoms ==  
== Causes and Risk Factors ==
Striae, or "stretch marks", begin as [[red]]dish or [[purple]] [[lesions]], which can appear anywhere on the body, but are most likely to appear in places where larger amounts of [[fat]] are stored; the most common places are the [[abdomen]] (especially near the [[navel]]), [[breast]]s, upper [[arm]]s, underarms, [[back]], [[thigh]]s (both inner and outer), [[hip]]s, and [[buttocks]]. Over time, they tend to [[atrophy]] and lose [[pigmentation]]. The affected areas appear empty, and are soft to the touch.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/568975/stretch-mark|title=Stretch Mark|accessdate=1 November 2009|work=Encyclopædia Britannica}}</ref>
Stretch marks are caused by the tearing of the dermis, the skin's middle layer, due to rapid expansion or contraction. This process disrupts collagen and elastin fibers, leading to scarring.<ref name="DermNet">{{cite web|url=https://dermnetnz.org/topics/striae-distensae|title=Striae Distensae (Stretch Marks)|publisher=DermNet NZ|access-date=2025-03-18}}</ref>


Stretch marks occur in the [[dermis]], the resilient middle tissue layer that helps the [[skin]] retain its shape. No stretch marks will form as long as there is support within the dermis; stretching plays a role in where the marks occur and in what direction they run, however, there are a number of contributing factors (see: "Causes", below) to their formation.
Common Causes
They can (but do not always) cause a burning and itching sensation, as well as emotional distress.  They pose no health risk in and of themselves, and do not compromise the body's ability to function normally and repair itself, however, they are often considered a [[Beauty|cosmetic]] nuisance.<ref name="Stretch Mark"/> Young women are generally affected the most and often seek treatment for them from a dermatologist<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite journal |last1=Chang |first1=AL|last2=Agredano| first2=YZ| last3=Kimball| first3=AB| title=Risk factors associated with striae gravidarum| journal=J Am Acad Dermatol| year=2004| volume=51|issue=6| pages=881–5| doi=10.1016/j.jaad.2004.05.030|pmid=15583577}}</ref> and following [[pregnancy]].<ref name="Andrews">{{cite book |author1=James, William D. |author2=Berger, Timothy G. |title=Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: clinical Dermatology |publisher=Saunders Elsevier |location= |year=2006 |pages= |isbn=978-0-7216-2921-6 |oclc= |doi= |display-authors=etal}}</ref>
* Pregnancy – Expansion of the abdomen and hormonal changes contribute to striae gravidarum.
<gallery>
* Puberty – Rapid growth spurts can cause stretch marks, particularly on the thighs, hips, and breasts.
File:Squircle belly (19004951).jpg|Striae gravidarum in a pregnant woman at 38 weeks.
* Rapid weight gain or loss – Sudden changes in body size stretch the skin beyond its elastic capacity.
File:Female Torso with Tiger Stripes (Stretch Marks) from Pregnancy.JPG|Stretch marks from pregnancy >1 year [[Postpartum period|postpartum]].
* Bodybuilding – Quick muscle growth can lead to skin tearing, particularly in the shoulders and arms.
File:StretchMark.jpg|Normal stretch marks in a teenage male
* Hormonal changes – Increased levels of cortisol can weaken skin elasticity.
File:Stretch marks on female breast.jpg|Stretch marks in a female breast
* Corticosteroid use – Long-term use of steroid creams, lotions, or pills can reduce skin elasticity.
File:Central Obesity 008.jpg|Striae distensae on an obese male
* Genetic predisposition – A family history of stretch marks increases the likelihood of developing them.
</gallery>


== Causes ==
Medical Conditions Linked to Stretch Marks
Stretch marks appear to be caused by stretching of the skin. This is especially true when there is an increase in [[cortisone]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stretch-marks/basics/causes/con-20032624|title=Stretch marks - Symptoms and causes|author=|date=|website=mayoclinic.org|accessdate=4 April 2018}}</ref>
Some medical conditions can make individuals more prone to developing stretch marks:
* Cushing’s syndrome – High cortisol levels cause excessive skin stretching.
* Marfan syndrome – A connective tissue disorder affecting skin elasticity.
* Ehlers-Danlos syndrome – A genetic condition that weakens collagen production.


In other words, an increase in cortisone levels can increase the probability or severity of stretch marks by reducing the skin's pliability; more specifically, it affects the [[dermis]] by preventing the [[fibroblast]]s from forming [[collagen]] and [[elastin]] fibers, necessary to keep rapidly growing skin taut. This can create a lack of supportive material as the skin is stretched, and lead to dermal and [[epidermis|epidermal]] tearing, which in turn can produce scarring in the form of stretch marks. This is particularly the case when there is new tissue growth (which can interfere with the underlying physical support of the dermis or epidermis, by displacing the supportive tissue).
== Diagnosis ==
Stretch marks are diagnosed clinically through visual examination. In most cases, additional testing is not required unless an underlying condition is suspected.


Examples of cases where stretch marks are common, also given by the Mayo Clinic, include weight gain (in the form of [[fat]] and/or [[muscle]]), [[pregnancy]], and [[adolescence|adolescent]] [[growth spurt]]s, though it is also noted that some medications, as well as other medical conditions and diseases, may increase the likelihood of stretch marks appearing. In the case of medication, the Clinic points to "[[Corticosteroid]] creams, lotions and pills and chronic use of oral or systemic [[steroid]]s" as a common contributing factor; in the case of medical conditions that can contribute to stretch marks, examples given include [[Ehlers-Danlos syndrome]], [[Cushing's syndrome]], [[Marfan syndrome]], and "adrenal gland diseases".
== Prevention ==
There is limited evidence that topical treatments effectively prevent stretch marks. However, some measures may help reduce their severity:
* Maintaining a stable weight – Avoiding rapid weight gain or loss may prevent excessive skin stretching.
* Hydration and a balanced diet – Keeping the skin moisturized and consuming a nutrient-rich diet with vitamins A, C, E, and zinc may support skin health.
* Regular exercise – Helps maintain skin elasticity and promotes healthy blood circulation.
* Topical applications – Some lotions containing hyaluronic acid, cocoa butter, and vitamin E claim to help, though scientific support is limited.<ref name=CC-Brennan-2012>{{cite journal|last=Brennan|first=M|author2=Young, G |author3=Devane, D |title=Topical preparations for preventing stretch marks in pregnancy.|journal=The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews|date=14 November 2012|volume=11|pages=CD000066|pmid=23152199|doi=10.1002/14651858.CD000066.pub2}}</ref>


===Pregnancy===
== Treatment ==
Pregnancy stretch marks, also known as striae gravidarum, is a specific form of [[scarring]] of the [[skin]] of the abdominal area due to rapid expansion of the [[uterus]] as well as sudden weight gain during pregnancy. About 90% of women are affected.<ref name=BJD2015>{{cite journal|last1=Korgavkar|first1=K|last2=Wang|first2=F|title=Stretch marks during pregnancy: a review of topical prevention.|journal=The British Journal of Dermatology|date=March 2015|volume=172|issue=3|pages=606–15|pmid=25255817|doi=10.1111/bjd.13426|url=https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/110856/1/bjd13426.pdf}}</ref>
There is no universally effective treatment to completely remove stretch marks. However, some options can reduce their appearance:


A number of additional factors appear to promote the appearance of stretchmarks: one study of 324 women, done just after they had given birth, demonstrated that low maternal age, high body mass index, weight gain over 15&nbsp;kg (33 pounds) and higher neonatal birth weight were independently correlated with the occurrence of striae. Teenagers were found to be at the highest risk of developing severe striae.<ref name="Striae gravidarum in primiparae">{{cite journal |last1=Atwal |first1=G.S.S. |last2=Manku |first2=L.K. |last3=Griffiths |first3=C.E.M. |last4=Polson |first4=D.W. |authorlink3=Chris Griffiths (dermatologist) |title=Striae gravidarum in primiparae |journal=British Journal of Dermatology |volume=155 |issue=5 |pages=965–9 |year=2006 |pmid=17034526 |doi=10.1111/j.1365-2133.2006.07427.x}}</ref>
Topical Treatments
* Tretinoin (Retin-A) – A topical retinoid that may stimulate collagen production and improve early-stage stretch marks.
* Hyaluronic acid – May promote skin hydration and elasticity.
* Glycolic acid – An exfoliant that can improve skin texture and appearance.


These off-color blemishes are [[Symptoms and discomforts of pregnancy|symptoms of pregnancy]] caused by the tearing of the [[dermis]], resulting in [[atrophy]] and loss of [[rete ridges]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Kroumpouzos |first1=G |last2=Cohen |first2=LM| title=Specific dermatoses of pregnancy: an evidenced-based systematic review| journal=Am J Obstet Gynecol| year=2003| volume=188|issue=4 | pages=1083–92|doi=10.1067/mob.2003.129 |pmid=12712115 }}</ref> These scars often appear as reddish or bluish streaks on the abdomen, and can also appear on the breasts and thighs. Some of these striae disappear with time, while others remain as permanent discolorations of the body.<ref name="Stretch Mark">{{cite web|url=http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stretch-marks/DS01081k |title=Stretch Mark |accessdate=2011-11-10 }}</ref>
Procedural Treatments
* Laser therapy – Stimulates collagen production and helps reduce discoloration.
* Microdermabrasion – Removes the top layer of skin to improve skin texture.
* Chemical peels – Use acids to exfoliate and regenerate the skin.
* Carboxytherapy – Involves injecting carbon dioxide under the skin to stimulate circulation (limited evidence for effectiveness).


Mechanical distension and rapidly developing areas of the body during [[pregnancy]] (such as the [[abdomen]], [[breasts]], and [[thighs]]) are most commonly associated with striae formation. Some have suggested that [[relaxin]] and [[estrogen]] combined with higher levels of [[cortisol]] during pregnancy can cause an accumulation of muocopolysaccharides, which increases water absorption of [[connective tissue]], making it prime for tearing under mechanical stress.<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref name="Striae gravidarum in primiparae"/>  There also seems to be an association between higher body mass indices and in women with bigger babies and the incidence and severity of striae. Also, younger women seem to be at higher risk of developing striae during pregnancy.<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref name="ReferenceB">{{cite journal|last1=Thomas| first1=RGR| last2=Liston| first2=WA| title=Clinical associations of striae gravidarum| journal=Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology| year=2004| volume=24| number=3| pages=270–27| doi=10.1080/014436104101001660779| pmid=15203623}}</ref>
== Pregnancy-Related Stretch Marks (Striae Gravidarum) ==
During pregnancy, up to 90% of women develop stretch marks due to hormonal changes and skin stretching.<ref name=BJD2015>{{cite journal|last1=Korgavkar|first1=K|last2=Wang|first2=F|title=Stretch marks during pregnancy: a review of topical prevention.|journal=The British Journal of Dermatology|date=March 2015|volume=172|issue=3|pages=606–15|pmid=25255817|doi=10.1111/bjd.13426|url=https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/110856/1/bjd13426.pdf}}</ref>


The prevalence and severity of striae gravidarum varies among populations. The current literature suggest that in the general population of the [[US]], there is a 50%-90% prevalence of striae associated with pregnancy,<ref name="ReferenceB"/> partly as a result of the normal hormonal changes of pregnancy and partly due to stretching of skin fibers.<ref name=CC-Brennan-2012>{{cite journal|last=Brennan|first=M|author2=Young, G |author3=Devane, D |title=Topical preparations for preventing stretch marks in pregnancy.|journal=The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews|date=14 November 2012|volume=11|pages=CD000066|pmid=23152199|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0010450/|doi=10.1002/14651858.CD000066.pub2}}</ref><ref name=Tunzi-2007>{{cite journal|last=Tunzi|first=M|author2=Gray, GR |title=Common skin conditions during pregnancy|journal=American Family Physician|date=15 January 2007|volume=75|issue=2|pages=211–8|pmid=17263216}}</ref> Many women experience striae gravidarum during their first pregnancy. Nearly 45% percent of women develop striae gravidarum before 24 weeks of gestation.<ref name="Stretch Mark"/> Many women who develop lesions during the first pregnancy do not develop them during later pregnancies. Genetic factors such as family history and race also seem to be predictive in the appearance of striae.<ref name="pmid17263216">{{cite journal |vauthors=Tunzi M, Gray GR |title=Common skin conditions during pregnancy |journal=Am Fam Physician |volume=75 |issue=2 |pages=211–8 |date=January 2007 |pmid=17263216 |doi= |url=}}</ref>
Factors that increase the likelihood of striae gravidarum:
* Younger maternal age
* Genetic predisposition
* Higher birth weight of the baby
* Excessive weight gain during pregnancy


== Prevention ==
Despite numerous marketed creams and oils, no treatment has been definitively proven to prevent pregnancy-related stretch marks.
A systematic review has not found evidence that creams and oils are useful for preventing or reducing stretch marks in pregnancy.<ref name=CC-Brennan-2012 /> The safety in pregnancy of one ingredient, [[Centella asiatica]], has been questioned.<ref name=Tunzi-2007 /> Evidence on treatments for reducing the appearance of the scars after pregnancy is limited.<ref name=Tunzi-2007 />


== Treatment ==
== History and Cultural Significance ==
There are no clearly useful treatments for stretch marks, although there are many different suggestions on how to remove them or lessen their appearance.<ref name=L2014>{{cite journal|last1=Liu|first1=L|last2=Ma|first2=H|last3=Li|first3=Y|title=Interventions for the treatment of stretch marks: a systematic review.|journal=Cutis|date=August 2014|volume=94|issue=2|pages=66–72|pmid=25184641}}</ref>
Throughout history, various cultures have developed remedies to prevent or treat stretch marks:
* Ancient Greece and Rome – Used olive oil for skin hydration.
* African and Middle Eastern cultures – Applied frankincense and shea butter.
* Modern skincare – Includes a wide range of commercial products with mixed results.


Various efforts that have been tried including [[Laser resurfacing|laser treatments]], [[glycolic acid]], and [[microdermabrasion]].<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Al-Himdani|first1=S|last2=Ud-Din|first2=S|last3=Gilmore|first3=S|last4=Bayat|first4=A|title=Striae distensae: a comprehensive review and evidence-based evaluation of prophylaxis and treatment.|journal=The British Journal of Dermatology|date=March 2014|volume=170|issue=3|pages=527–47|pmid=24125059|doi=10.1111/bjd.12681}}</ref> Topical [[tretinoin]] is categorized by the FDA as a known [[teratogen]] (causing malformations in fetuses) in animals, without adequate human studies on safety in pregnancy.<ref name=DailyMed-Tretinoin>{{cite web|title=Renova (tretinoin) cream|url=http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=ad4cd608-ee26-4467-9957-a95b33101f9a|work=DailyMed|publisher=FDA and National Library of Medicine}}</ref>
== Gallery ==
<gallery>
File:Squircle belly (19004951).jpg|Striae gravidarum in a pregnant woman at 38 weeks.
File:Female Torso with Tiger Stripes (Stretch Marks) from Pregnancy.JPG|Stretch marks from pregnancy >1 year [[Postpartum period|postpartum]].
File:StretchMark.jpg|Normal stretch marks in a teenage male
File:Stretch marks on female breast.jpg|Stretch marks in a female breast
File:Central Obesity 008.jpg|Striae distensae on an obese male
</gallery>


[[Carboxytherapy]] is a known procedure; however, there is a lack of evidence to support how effective it is.<ref>{{cite press release | year=2009 | title=Carboxytherapy And Mesotherapy Unproven |url=http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/159481.php}}</ref>
== See Also ==
* [[Skin elasticity]]
* [[Scarring]]
* [[Pregnancy-related skin conditions]]
* [[Dermatology]]
* [[Connective tissue disorders]]


==History==
== External Links ==
Since ancient times, pregnant women have sought remedies to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. Both ancient [[ancient Greece|Greeks]] and [[Ancient Rome|Romans]] used [[olive oil]], while [[People of Ethiopia|Ethiopians]] and [[Somalis]] used [[frankincense]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/f/franki31.html |title=Botany |accessdate=2009-11-10 }}</ref>
* [https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stretch-marks Mayo Clinic – Stretch Marks]
* [https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/stretch-marks American Academy of Dermatology – Stretch Marks]


==Terminology==
[[Medical terminology]] for these kinds of markings includes striae atrophicae, vergetures, stria distensae, striae cutis distensae, lineae atrophicae, linea albicante, or simply striae.
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
== External links ==
{{Medical resources
|  DiseasesDB    = 30027
|  ICD10          = {{ICD10|L|90|6|l|80}}
|  ICD9          = {{ICD9|701.3}}
|  ICDO          =
|  OMIM          =
|  MedlinePlus    = 003287
|  eMedicineSubj  = derm
|  eMedicineTopic = 406
|  MeshID        =
}}
{{Wiktionary|stria}}
{{Localized connective tissue diseases}}
{{Localized connective tissue diseases}}


{{stub}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Stretch Marks}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Stretch Marks}}
[[Category:Abnormalities of dermal fibrous and elastic tissue]]
[[Category:Skin conditions]]
[[Category:Human pregnancy]]
[[Category:Pregnancy-related skin disorders]]
[[Category:Obstetrics]]
[[Category:Connective tissue disorders]]
[[Category:Medical conditions related to obesity]]
[[Category:Dermatology]]
[[Category:Health issues in pregnancy]]
[[Category:Scarring]]
[[Category:Pregnancy-related cutaneous conditions]]
[[Category:Pathology of pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium]]

Revision as of 04:18, 20 March 2025

Stretch marks

Scarring of the skin due to rapid stretching



Stretch Marks
File:Belly Stretch Marks.jpg
Synonyms Striae, striae distensae, striae gravidarum (pregnancy-related)
Pronounce N/A
Field Dermatology
Symptoms Off-color linear streaks on the skin, itching or burning sensation in some cases
Complications Psychological distress, cosmetic concerns
Onset Gradual, often during periods of rapid growth or hormonal changes
Duration Can fade over time but do not completely disappear
Types N/A
Causes Rapid skin stretching, hormonal changes, pregnancy, obesity, weight gain, puberty, corticosteroid use, genetic factors
Risks Pregnancy, adolescence, obesity, rapid weight changes, genetic predisposition
Diagnosis Clinical examination
Differential diagnosis Atrophic scars, dermal fibrosis, linear scleroderma
Prevention Limited evidence; some topical treatments may reduce risk
Treatment Laser therapy, microdermabrasion, topical retinoids, chemical peels
Medication Tretinoin, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid
Prognosis Benign; usually fade but do not disappear completely
Frequency Common (affects 50–90% of pregnant women, adolescents, and individuals with rapid weight changes)
Deaths N/A


Stretch marks, medically known as striae, are a form of scarring that appears on the skin when it undergoes rapid stretching. These marks often have an off-color hue, initially appearing reddish, purplish, or pink, and gradually fading to a lighter shade over time. While they are harmless and pose no health risks, they can cause cosmetic concerns and psychological distress.<ref name="MayoClinic">

Stretch marks: Symptoms & Causes(link). {{{website}}}. Mayo Clinic.



</ref>

Stretch marks commonly occur during puberty, pregnancy, rapid weight gain or loss, bodybuilding, and certain medical conditions. In pregnancy, they are referred to as striae gravidarum. These marks are most frequently found on the abdomen, breasts, thighs, hips, lower back, and buttocks.

Signs and Symptoms

Stretch marks vary in appearance depending on their age, location, and cause. The common features include:

  • Initial phase – Reddish, purplish, or pink streaks that may be itchy or have a slight burning sensation.
  • Later stage – The marks fade to a lighter, almost silvery or white color with a slightly sunken texture.
  • Common locations – Abdomen, breasts, thighs, hips, buttocks, upper arms, and lower back.
  • Texture – May feel slightly raised in the early stages and become flattened over time.

Causes and Risk Factors

Stretch marks are caused by the tearing of the dermis, the skin's middle layer, due to rapid expansion or contraction. This process disrupts collagen and elastin fibers, leading to scarring.<ref name="DermNet">

Striae Distensae (Stretch Marks)(link). {{{website}}}. DermNet NZ.


Accessed 2025-03-18.


</ref>

Common Causes

  • Pregnancy – Expansion of the abdomen and hormonal changes contribute to striae gravidarum.
  • Puberty – Rapid growth spurts can cause stretch marks, particularly on the thighs, hips, and breasts.
  • Rapid weight gain or loss – Sudden changes in body size stretch the skin beyond its elastic capacity.
  • Bodybuilding – Quick muscle growth can lead to skin tearing, particularly in the shoulders and arms.
  • Hormonal changes – Increased levels of cortisol can weaken skin elasticity.
  • Corticosteroid use – Long-term use of steroid creams, lotions, or pills can reduce skin elasticity.
  • Genetic predisposition – A family history of stretch marks increases the likelihood of developing them.

Medical Conditions Linked to Stretch Marks Some medical conditions can make individuals more prone to developing stretch marks:

  • Cushing’s syndrome – High cortisol levels cause excessive skin stretching.
  • Marfan syndrome – A connective tissue disorder affecting skin elasticity.
  • Ehlers-Danlos syndrome – A genetic condition that weakens collagen production.

Diagnosis

Stretch marks are diagnosed clinically through visual examination. In most cases, additional testing is not required unless an underlying condition is suspected.

Prevention

There is limited evidence that topical treatments effectively prevent stretch marks. However, some measures may help reduce their severity:

  • Maintaining a stable weight – Avoiding rapid weight gain or loss may prevent excessive skin stretching.
  • Hydration and a balanced diet – Keeping the skin moisturized and consuming a nutrient-rich diet with vitamins A, C, E, and zinc may support skin health.
  • Regular exercise – Helps maintain skin elasticity and promotes healthy blood circulation.
  • Topical applications – Some lotions containing hyaluronic acid, cocoa butter, and vitamin E claim to help, though scientific support is limited.<ref name=CC-Brennan-2012>Brennan, M,
 Topical preparations for preventing stretch marks in pregnancy., 
 The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 
 
 Vol. 11,
 pp. CD000066,
 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000066.pub2,
 PMID: 23152199,</ref>

Treatment

There is no universally effective treatment to completely remove stretch marks. However, some options can reduce their appearance:

Topical Treatments

  • Tretinoin (Retin-A) – A topical retinoid that may stimulate collagen production and improve early-stage stretch marks.
  • Hyaluronic acid – May promote skin hydration and elasticity.
  • Glycolic acid – An exfoliant that can improve skin texture and appearance.

Procedural Treatments

  • Laser therapy – Stimulates collagen production and helps reduce discoloration.
  • Microdermabrasion – Removes the top layer of skin to improve skin texture.
  • Chemical peels – Use acids to exfoliate and regenerate the skin.
  • Carboxytherapy – Involves injecting carbon dioxide under the skin to stimulate circulation (limited evidence for effectiveness).

Pregnancy-Related Stretch Marks (Striae Gravidarum)

During pregnancy, up to 90% of women develop stretch marks due to hormonal changes and skin stretching.<ref name=BJD2015>, 

 Stretch marks during pregnancy: a review of topical prevention., 
 The British Journal of Dermatology, 
 
 Vol. 172(Issue: 3),
 pp. 606–15,
 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.13426,
 PMID: 25255817,
 
 
 Full text,</ref>

Factors that increase the likelihood of striae gravidarum:

  • Younger maternal age
  • Genetic predisposition
  • Higher birth weight of the baby
  • Excessive weight gain during pregnancy

Despite numerous marketed creams and oils, no treatment has been definitively proven to prevent pregnancy-related stretch marks.

History and Cultural Significance

Throughout history, various cultures have developed remedies to prevent or treat stretch marks:

  • Ancient Greece and Rome – Used olive oil for skin hydration.
  • African and Middle Eastern cultures – Applied frankincense and shea butter.
  • Modern skincare – Includes a wide range of commercial products with mixed results.

Gallery

  • Striae gravidarum in a pregnant woman at 38 weeks.
    Striae gravidarum in a pregnant woman at 38 weeks.
  • Stretch marks from pregnancy >1 year postpartum.
    Stretch marks from pregnancy >1 year postpartum.
  • Normal stretch marks in a teenage male
    Normal stretch marks in a teenage male
  • Stretch marks in a female breast
    Stretch marks in a female breast
  • Striae distensae on an obese male
    Striae distensae on an obese male

See Also

External Links


Cutaneous keratosis, ulcer, atrophy, and necrobiosis (L82–L94, 700–701.5)
Epidermal thickening
* keratoderma: Keratoderma climactericum
Necrobiosis/granuloma
Dermis/
localized CTD
Cutaneous lupus
erythematosus
Scleroderma/
Morphea
Atrophic/
atrophoderma
Perforating
Skin ulcer



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