What are Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are streaks or lines that appear on the skin because your skin stretched too quickly. They may show up on your stomach, buttocks, breasts, or thighs. The streaks or lines may feel itchy and appear pink, red, or purple.

Over time, the stretch marks may lose their color and look white or silvery. Stretch marks do not go away, but they can fade or become less noticeable with time or with treatment.

Women get stretch marks more often than men. They can also run in the family. Stretch marks are most common in:

• Pregnant women.
• People who gain weight quickly.
• Boys and girls going through puberty.
• People who use steroid creams or take steroid drugs.
• Bodybuilders who build muscles too quickly.
• People with certain conditions, such as Cushing’s syndrome or Marfan syndrome.

Follow these instructions at home:

General instructions

• Use skin lotion, creams, or gels to moisturize your skin. Massage them into your skin. Try to moisturize often.
• Use prescribed cream or lotions as told by your health care provider.
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet with enough vitamins and minerals to keep your skin healthy.
• Talk with your health care provider about treatments that can help fade stretch marks, if needed.

Ways to lower your chances of getting stretch marks

• Maintain a healthy weight and avoid losing or gaining weight quickly.
• If you are pregnant, work with your health care provider to make sure that your weight gain is in a healthy range.
• Avoid bulking up too quickly if you are exercising to build muscle.
• Take steroids and use steroid creams only as told by your health care provider.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You would like to know what treatment options are available to help fade your stretch marks.

Summary

• Stretch marks are streaks or lines that appear on your skin because the skin stretched too quickly. They may show up on your stomach, buttocks, breasts, or thighs.
• Stretch marks do not go away, but they may fade with time or treatment.
• Talk with your health care provider about treatments that can help fade stretch marks, if needed.