Stretch marks

AGE  Sometimes occur as a result of growth spurts at puberty	GENDER  More common in females
LIFESTYLE  More common in pregnant women and overweight people	GENETICS  Not significant factors

Stretch marks are pink or purple lines on the skin, most commonly over the abdomen, buttocks, breasts, and thighs.

Stretch marks, also called striae, occur when fibres of the skin protein collagen are broken due to rapid stretching of the skin or to hormonal changes that disrupt the fibres.

• The marks affect 3 in 5 pregnant women and are common in adolescent girls undergoing growth spurts.
• Overweight people may also develop them, especially if weight gain is rapid.
• They also occur in people with Cushing's syndrome and in those using oral corticosteroids or topical corticosteroids.

Stretch marks first appear as pink or purple raised lines on the abdomen, thighs, breasts, or buttocks. They vary in length and may be between 6 mm ( ¼ in) and 12 mm ( ½ in) wide.

Over a few months, they usually become pale and flatten, eventually becoming barely noticeable. There are no really effective preventive measures or treatments.

BMA Complete Family Health Guide
Copyright © 2005 Dorling Kindersley

Posted 16.11.2010

Useful links:

• •Other general information
• •Skin disorders

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