Stretch marks

Overview

Stretch marks form when the middle layer of skin stretches faster than it can grow. They often show up on the belly, breasts, hips, thighs, buttocks, and upper arms.

New stretch marks are often pink, red, or purple. Over months they fade and flatten.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Pink, red, purple, or white streaks on the skin
• Slight itching as they form

Less common

• Lines that feel slightly sunken

When to get medical care

Causes

Fast stretching of the skin from pregnancy, growth spurts, weight gain, or muscle building. Steroid medicines and Cushing's syndrome can also cause them.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
• It can run in families. Tell your doctor if a parent, brother, or sister has it.

Who is more likely to get it

• Pregnancy
• Family history of stretch marks
• Fast weight gain or loss
• Long-term steroid use

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional can tell by looking.

Questions you may be asked

• When they appeared
• Recent weight changes, pregnancy, or steroid use

The exam

They'll look at the marks and your skin.

Treatment

Stretch marks don't need treatment. Some treatments can make them less noticeable, especially when they're new.

Self-care

• Moisturize: it may ease itching, but creams don't prevent stretch marks for sure
• Be patient: most fade a lot on their own

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

A dermatologist can offer prescription creams, lasers, or microneedling. These lighten marks but rarely remove them.

Prevention

To lower your chances:

• Gain weight slowly when you can
• Keep skin moisturized

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a dermatologist (skin doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Pregnancy: Most pregnant people get some; they fade after birth.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Stretch marks are harmless. They fade with time, though they may not go away completely.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• Medicines you take, including steroid creams or pills

Questions to ask

• Is there a medical cause?
• Which treatment fits my skin?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Stretch marks