According to the Dermatology Department at the University of Michigan, more than 50 percent of women will experience the growth of stretch marks during pregnancy. Pregnancy is not the only cause of stretch marks, and both men and women can develop stretch marks. There is no single treatment for stretch marks, which also are called striae.
Appearance
Stretch marks are purple or red marks that appear on the skin. They usually have a glossy sheen to them and can be depressed into the skin or slightly mottled in appearance. Over time, stretch marks fade to white. They usually appear on the stomach, upper arms, thighs, buttocks, hips and breasts.
Causes
If you are pregnant or have gained a lot of weight in a short period of time, you can develop stretch marks. Teenagers who experience quick growth also might notice the growth of stretch marks; about 70 percent of teenage girls and 40 percent of teenage boys experience stretch marks. If you are a woman, have a family history of stretch marks or suffer from Cushing's syndrome or diabetes, you might be more likely to have stretch marks.
Prevention
If you think that you may be prone to stretch marks or have experienced them already, there are some steps you can take to prevent them. Maintaining a healthy weight is paramount. Rapid weight gain puts pressure on the skin, causing it to weaken and form stretch marks. Cortisone creams can also thin and damage the skin, so avoid them if possible.
Treatment
Microdermabrasion might help in the treatment of old, faded stretch marks. Microdermabrasion uses crystals to polish off the first layer of skin and expose the healthier second layer. This also stimulates collagen production to promote the rejuvenation of the skin. Various laser therapies also might improve the appearance of stretch marks. Pulsed dye laser therapy and fractional photothermolysis encourage the production of elastin and collagen to promote the healing of the skin. Eximer lasers are used on old stretch marks to encourage the affected area to produce pigment similar to that of the surrounding area. Tretinoin cream might reduce the size and severity of new, still-red striae. None of these treatments stems the growth of stretch marks, but they might help to improve the appearance.
Warning
If you develop any stretch marks without an obvious cause--such as growth spurts, pregnancy or weight gain--consult a doctor immediately. Unexplained stretch mark growth can be a sign of an underlying condition.
