Stretch marks, or striae, are depressed, irregular areas of the skin that look like stripes, lines or bands. Stretch marks often first appear on the abdomens of pregnant women, but they also can materialize on your hips, thighs, breasts and buttocks. They occur due to small tears in the elastic connective tissue that holds your skin together. Although stretch marks are hard to miss, due to their vivid coloration, you might not notice the more subtle signs of their early development.
Identification
A thin, flattened area of skin with a pink color is an early sign of stretch marks. The area might itch, and it will eventually develop reddish, purplish or brownish lines, known as striae rubra. They usually measure several centimeters long and one to 10 mm wide. Over time, the pigmentation of the stretch marks will fade until they are lighter than the surrounding skin, usually to a silver or white color.
Considerations
Although typically associated with pregnancy, stretch marks can happen whenever you experience rapid stretching of the skin. Obese children often get stretch marks, as do normal weight males and females during the rapid growth of puberty. Stretch marks also can result from abnormal collagen formation, longtime use of cortisone compounds, Cushing disease and diabetes.
Misconceptions
Rubbing your belly with cocoa butter or special moisturizers at the first sign of stretch marks will not keep them from developing. Genetics typically determine whether you will get stretch marks, not a lack of moisture. Keeping your skin moisturized can minimize some of the itching that can come with stretch marks.
Prevention/Solution
Once you notice stretching skin, it is too late to stop it from developing into a stretch mark. However, avoiding rapid weight fluctuations might help keep you from developing others. During pregnancy -- when most women need to gain weight -- you can reduce your chances of developing stretch marks by gaining no more than the recommended amount of weight. Work with your doctor to develop an exercise and eating plan that will help keep your skin toned and less prone to stretch marks.
Treatments
Stretch marks usually become less noticeable after the cause of the skin stretching is gone. In adolescents and children, they might disappear completely. If the marks bother you, talk to your dermatologist about treatment options. Topical creams or laser therapy might help minimize their appearance.
