Stria
What causes stretch marks?
Stretch marks are caused when the skin rapidly stretches as a result of sudden growth or weight gain.
The stretching causes themiddle layer of skin (dermis) to tear, allowing the deeper skin layers to show through, forming stretch marks.
The dermiscontains strong, inter-connected fibres thatallow your skin to stretch as your body grows. However, rapid growthcan cause the skin to over-stretch and break thefibres.
Thetears in the dermisallow the blood vessels below to show through, which is why stretch marks are often red or purplewhen they first appear.
Whenthe blood vessels eventuallycontract (get smaller), the pale-coloured fat underneath your skin will be visible, and your stretch marks will changeto a silvery-white colour.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Find out about stretch marks, including where, when and how they occur, what causes them and how they can be treated and prevented.
Where stretch marks occur
Stretch marks can occur anywhere where the skin has been stretched, but they usuallyaffect areas where fat is stored, such as the: tummy (abdomen) breasts upper arms buttocks thighs shoulders (
When stretch marks occur
Stretch marks often occur: during pregnancy after rapid weight gain during puberty if you have a family history of stretch marks if you have an underlying health condition or a syndrome, such
Howstretch marks develop
Before stretch marks appear, the affected skin will become thin, flattened and pink, and may feel itchy. The stretch marks themselves appearas red or purple streaks or lines, but can be pink, reddish
What causes stretch marks?
Stretch marks are caused when the skin rapidly stretches as a result of sudden growth or weight gain. The stretching causes themiddle layer of skin (dermis) to tear, allowing the deeper skin layers t
Treating stretch marks
Most stretch marks aren't particularly noticeable and will fade over time. If you have unsightly stretch marks, or if they affect a large areaof your body, there are a few treatment options available
Preventing stretch marks
Stretch marks can't always be prevented for example, they often occur during pregnancy. However, there are some things you can do to help lower your chances of getting stretch marks. Weight and diet
Subscribe
Ask the doctor
Rate this article
Find products