Stretch marks, or striae, are typically the result of rapid stretching of the skin from
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weight loss
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weight gain
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pregnancy
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growth spurts
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rapid muscle growth
They typically form on the shoulders, abdomen, thighs, trunk, and buttocks.
Stretch marks often start out pink, red, or purple...
figure 1
...and later transition to a more hypopigmented (lightened) appearance.
figure 2
Causes
When the skin is rapidly stretched, the collagen and elastin fibers that provide support can be damaged or ruptured.
figure 3
Risk Factors include
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Genetics
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Connective tissue diseases
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Topical steroid use
figure 4
Care Instructions
Treatment
Though stretch marks are extremely common and not harmful to your health, they are very difficult to treat.
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New stretch marks tend to respond better to treatment than mature stretch marks.
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No treatment can remove or fade them entirely, but some stretch marks will fade over time. Chemical peels, topical retinoids, and lasers can help speed up the process.