Stretch marks
Stretch marksArticle Sections
DefinitionStretch marks (striae) are pink, reddish or purplish indented streaks that often appear on the abdomen, breasts, upper arms, buttocks and thighs. Stretch marks are particularly common in pregnant women, especially during the latter half of pregnancy. You may be concerned about these bright streaks on your skin, but stretch marks aren't serious and fade over time. In some cases, however, widespread stretch marks are a sign of a medical condition such as Cushing's syndrome or another adrenal gland disease. Treatments can fade the appearance of stretch marks but won't completely remove them. Stretch marks on armSome men and women are prone to develop stretch marks on the upper arms, abdomen, buttocks and thighs. These changes tend to occur during puberty but also can be seen with weight loss. New stretch ...  SymptomsSigns and symptoms of stretch marks include:
Stretch marks are common on the abdomen, breasts, upper arms, buttocks and thighs. Sometimes they can cover large areas of the body.
When to see a doctor Stretch marks in pregnancyStretch marks are common in pregnant women, especially during the last half of pregnancy. They often fade to light pink to grayish stripes, but they don't usually disappear. ...  Stretch marks on armSome men and women are prone to develop stretch marks on the upper arms, abdomen, buttocks and thighs. These changes tend to occur during puberty but also can be seen with weight loss. New stretch ... Widespread stretch marksStretch marks can cover large areas of the body, but it happens rarely. This can result from corticosteroid medication use or a disease such as Cushing's syndrome. ...  CausesStretch marks seem to be caused, literally, by a stretching of the skin, coupled with an increase in cortisone, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisone may weaken elastic fibers in the skin. Stretch marks develop in a variety of circumstances, including:
Risk factorsStretch marks are more common in women than in men, and more common in white women than in Asian or black women. Risk factors include:
Preparing for your appointmentHere's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.
What you can do
Don't hesitate to ask questions at any time during your appointment.
What to expect from your doctor
Tests and diagnosisStretch marks are typically diagnosed based on an examination of your skin and a review of your medical history. Your doctor will ask questions about your signs and symptoms, medications you're taking, and any known medical conditions. If your doctor suspects that a medical condition is causing the stretch marks, he or she may recommend urine or blood tests, imaging tests or other medical tests. Treatments and drugsAlthough they may be a cosmetic concern, stretch marks are harmless and often fade over time. They don't require medical treatment. If you do seek treatment for stretch marks, know that treatments are only partially effective and won't remove the stretch marks completely. The following treatments are among those available to help improve the appearance of stretch marks. None has been proved to be more consistently successful than the others.
Work with your doctor to choose the most appropriate treatment. Factors to consider include:
Lifestyle and home remediesYou've likely seen creams, ointments and other products that claim to prevent or treat stretch marks. These products, often containing cocoa butter, vitamin E or glycolic acid, aren't harmful, but they probably won't help much, either. Stretch marks usually fade and become less noticeable over time and don't require any specific self-care or home therapy. Alternative medicineMany alternative therapies claim to treat stretch marks, including castor or olive oil, seaweed wraps, or combinations of botanicals, vitamins and fruit acids. There's no evidence that these products work. If you're pregnant, check with your doctor before using alternative products that claim to treat or prevent stretch marks. PreventionThere's no way to prevent stretch marks, even if you rub plenty of creams, oils and lotions on your skin. The best way to reduce the likelihood of getting stretch marks is to maintain a healthy weight. During pregnancy, you'll necessarily gain weight over a relatively brief period, but you can work with your doctor to minimize the gain — not just to minimize stretch marks, but for the health of you and your baby — by eating well and exercising. RelatedLast Updated: 2010-07-17 © 1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "Mayo Clinic Health Information," "Reliable information for a healthier life" and the triple-shield Mayo logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
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