Stria

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 (in bodybuilders)

Sometimes,particularly in teenage boys, stretch marks can develop on the back, overlying the spine horizontally (like the rungs on a ladder).

Stretch marks caused by Cushing's syndrome (where the blood contains high levels of a hormone called cortisol, see below) tend to be wider and larger, and can also appear on the face.

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018

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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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