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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-brown or dark brown, depending on your skin colour.
Theycan occur in patches of parallel lines on your body and often appear "scar-like". To start with, the lines will be slightly raised and may feel wrinkly, before eventually flattening out.
As the lines become flatter, they'll start to fade and change to a white or silvery colour. They'll usually become less noticeable over time, although this process can sometimes take years.
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
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