Stretch marks (striae)

What are stretch marks?

Stretch marks are fine lines on the body that occur from tissue under your skin tearing from rapid growth or over-stretching. It is a common condition that does not cause any significant medical problems but can be of cosmetic concern for some people. Other names for stretch marks are striae distensae, striae atrophicans, striae rubra (which are red) and striae alba (white).

Who gets stretch marks?

Stretch marks occur in certain areas of the body where skin is subjected to continuous and progressive stretching. These include:

• Abdomen and breast in pregnant women
• Adolescents undergoing growth spurts (thighs, buttocks, breasts)
• Shoulders in body-builders
• Obese or overweight people

Stretch marks can also occur from prolonged use of oral or topical corticosteroids. They are also a feature of the disease Cushing's syndrome, where increased adrenal cortical activity i.e. excessive circulating cortisol is implicated in their development.

What do stretch marks look like?

An early sign of stretch marks developing is when an area of skin becomes flattened and thin with a pink colour. This may also occasionally be itchy. Soon reddish or purplish lines develop (striae rubra). Over time these lighten to become whitish or flesh-coloured and much less conspicuous. Stretch marks are usually several centimetres long and 1-10 mm wide. Those caused by corticosteroid use or Cushing's syndrome are often larger and wider and may involve other regions, including the face.

Stretch marks (striae)

What treatment is available?

Stretch marks usually are only a cosmetic problem, but rarely, if extensive they may ulcerate or tear easily in an accident. Stretch marks occurring in adolescents become less visible over time and generally require no treatment. In other cases, if stretch marks are a cause of concern then the following treatments may be tried, but have not been proven to be effective:

• Topical retinoid therapy
• Chemical peels
• Pulse dye laser therapy