Stretch marks, also known as "striae", develop when your skin stretches beyond the limits of its natural rate of growth.
The middle layer of the skin breaks in places, causing the lower layers of the skin to show through.
"Active" or "early" stretch marks tend to be red or purple, fading towards silvery white over time. Early stretch marks are easier to treat when compared to old ones that have turned somewhat "white".
The color of the marks varies depending upon the skin tone of the individual. Upto 90% of pregnant women develop stretch marks during their pregnancies, known as "Striae gravidarum" which gradually tend to fade away with time.
Stretch marks also develop during adolescence or when one builds muscles exceptionally quickly like in gyms. Most medical professionals regard time as the best healer for stretch marks. Active stretch marks may however, respond to a variety of treatments, but the effectiveness of any treatment may be limited.
Not all stretch marks look alike.
Common variations include:
When to see a doctor?
See your doctor when you're concerned about the appearance of your skin or if the stretch marks cover large areas of your body.
Your doctor will help determine the cause of the marks and discuss various treatment options available.