Stretch Marks (Striae)

Stretch marks or striae appear as slightly depressed skin lines that emerge on various body surfaces, such as breasts, abdomen, hips, and buttocks. Pregnant women, in particular, frequently experience these marks in the final trimester. While stretch marks do not cause symptoms or pose health risks, some individuals feel dissatisfied with their appearance. Treatment is usually not required because they do not cause harm, and some stretch marks can diminish naturally.

Symptoms

Stretch marks can manifest differently for everyone. Common ones are:

Depressed skin lines may appear pink, red, purple, reddish-brown, or dark brown, depending on your skin color.
Observable stretch marks on the breasts, abdomen, buttocks, or other body areas.

When to see a doctor

If you have concerns regarding the appearance of your skin or if your stretch marks expand and cover significant areas of your body, you can discuss with your doctor to:

Identify the underlying cause of the stretch marks.
Discuss treatment options suitable to your situation.
Obtain professional advice on managing and reducing the visibility of stretch marks.
Address any related concerns or questions you may have.

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Causes

Stretch marks develop when the skin stretches or shrinks abruptly. The rapid change causes the collagen and elastic fibers supporting our skin to rupture. When the skin heals, stretch marks may become visible.

Risk factors

Genes.
Gender, as females are more prone to developing stretch marks.
Pregnancy.
Growth spurt during adolescence.
Swift weight gain or loss.
Corticosteroid medications.
Fluctuating hormone levels.
Weight training is when you have rapid muscle growth.
Genetic disorders such as Cushing syndrome or Marfan syndrome.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will interview, review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and may order additional tests if there is suspicion your stretch marks are due to other underlying medical conditions.

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Treatment and Home Remedies

Many creams, ointments, and products marketed to prevent or treat stretch marks, such as cocoa butter, vitamin E, and glycolic acid, have limited effectiveness and may not provide noticeable improvement. Treatment for stretch marks may not be essential as they are harmless. Although treatments can aid in reducing their appearance or alleviating the itchiness, complete disappearance is not guaranteed. If you are concerned about the skin’s appearance, discuss with your doctor to select the most suitable treatment or combination of treatments, taking into consideration the duration of the stretch marks, skin type, convenience (as some therapies require multiple clinic visits), cost, and expectations regarding post-treatment results.

Retinoid cream

Topical retinoid creams can improve the appearance of early stretch marks. Retinol-containing products promote the rebuilding of collagen in the stretch mark. However, it can cause skin irritation. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider, especially if pregnant or nursing, due to potential side effects that may affect the baby.

Adjunctive treatment for stretch marks

Dermatologists may perform the following procedures to make stretch marks less noticeable and itchy. However, they may not get rid of stretch marks completely.