What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks (striae) are discoloured, slightly sunken (depressed) scar-like lines in your skin. They occur as your skin suddenly extends or contracts.
Stretch marks generally appear on your:
- Abdominal area (stomach).
- Thighs.
- Hips.
- Breasts (boobs).
- Upper arms.
- Lower back.
- Buttocks (butt).
Who do stretch marks affect?
Anyone can get stretch marks. But you’re more likely to develop stretch marks if:
- You’re expecting a child, particularly if you’re Black, Hispanic, East Asian, or South Asian.
- You gain or lose a lot of weight all of a sudden.
- Bodybuilding or weightlifting causes your muscles to grow quickly.
- You’re going through a growth spurt during adolescence.
- Stretch marks run in your family (genetics).
- You are suffering from Cushing’s syndrome or Marfan syndrome.
- You’ve been on prednisone for a long time.
How common are stretch marks?
Stretch marks are common. Between 50% and 90% of all people who are pregnant develop stretch marks.
What are the symptoms of stretch marks?
Stretch mark symptoms may include:
- Sunken lines in your skin.
- Discoloration (red, pink, blue, black, purple or brown).
- Skin gradually becomes glossy and appears streaked in silver or white.
- Itchiness.
- Irritation.
What causes stretch marks?
When your skin expands or shrinks rapidly, the elastin and collagen in your skin break. The primary function of elastin is to allow your skin to stretch. The primary function of collagen is to offer structure, strength, and support to your skin. Stretch marks form in locations where elastin breaks as your skin recovers.