Stretch Marks
Stretch marks (striae) are a form of scarring and are caused by a tearing of the dermis, most often associated with a rapid stretching of the skin during rapid growth (typically in pregnancy) or weight gain.
They first appear as red or purplish lines but generally fade to a lighter colour over time. They can appear anywhere on the body, but most commonly in areas where there are larger amounts of fat such as the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, breasts, hips and upper arms.
They do not cause any underlying damage and pose no health risk, but it is the cosmetic appearance that is usually most distressing. Stretch marks are very common and 75-90% of women will develop stretch marks of some description during pregnancy.
They seem to be influenced by genetic factors and hormones, although diet and exercise have also been implicated. Various treatments have been developed for the treatment of stretch marks, including creams, dermabrasion, laser treatments, dermarollers and surgery, although no single treatment has been proven to be 100% effective.
