Stretch marks
About stretch marks
More information
Stretch marks are streaks that appear in stretched skin. Around half of all pregnant women will develop stretch marks, usually in the last 3 months of pregnancy, as the abdominal skin is stretched by the rapidly growing uterus. Some pregnant women also develop stretch marks on their breasts, hips, buttocks and thighs. Some people (males and females) also develop stretch marks during other times of rapid growth, such as during growth spurts around puberty or if they gain a lot of weight.
Whether or not someone gets stretch marks seems to depend on inherited factors.
Most research confirms that creams and lotions can't prevent stretch marks. The damage occurs under the top layer of the skin, and creams do not penetrate that far.
Depending on the skin type, fresh stretch marks can be pink, purple, brown or red. Over time, the stretch marks lose their bright colouring and become silvery lines.
Research has also shown that most creams that are used in an attempt to change the appearance of stretch marks do not have any effect. It is time that makes a difference, not the use of creams. Some research has found that laser treatment might make a difference. If you are interested in this, have a talk with your doctor. Laser treatment is expensive.
The content of this fact sheet was provided by the South Australian Government's Children, Youth and Women's Health Service. The South Australian Government does not accept responsibility for the accuracy of this reproduction.
For all emergencies,
please call 000 immediately
Remember, the information in these information pages is of a general nature only and should not be used or relied on as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see your health care professional.
