Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are long, narrow streaks or stripes that occur when the skin is stretched too quickly. These are scars or disfiguring lesions, also known as striae.

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Common causes of skin stretching include:

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• Pregnancy: Between 50 and 90 percent of women who are pregnant experience stretchmarks during or after birth.This is known as striae gravidarum.

• Puberty: Rapid growth is typical in young people going through puberty. This can lead to stretch marks.

• Rapid weight gain: Putting on a lot of weight in a short space of time can cause stretch marks.

• Medical conditions: Certain conditions can cause stretch marks, such as Marfan syndrome and Cushing’s syndrome.

• Corticosteroid use: Prolonged use of corticosteroid creams and lotions can decrease levels of collagen in the skin. Collagen strengthens and supports the skin, and a reduced amount can increase the risk of stretch mark.

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 Consult an expert if you're concerned about the appearance of your skin or if the stretch marks cover large areas of your body. The dermatologist  can help determine the cause of the stretch marks and discuss all possible treatment options.