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Alternative Names Return to top
Striae atrophica; Stretch marks; Striae distensaeDefinition Return to top
Striae are irregular areas of skin that look like bands, stripes, or lines. Striae are seen when a person grows or gains weight rapidly or has certain diseases or conditions.
Striae are commonly called stretch marks.
Considerations Return to top
Stretch marks can appear when there is rapid stretching of the skin. They are often associated with the abdominal enlargement of pregnancy. They can be found in children who have become rapidly obese. They may also occur during the rapid growth of puberty in males and females. Striae are most commonly located on the breasts, hips, thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and flank.
Stretch marks appear as parallel streaks of red, thinned, glossy skin that over time become whitish and scarlike in appearance. The stretch marks may be slightly depressed and have a different texture than normal skin.
Striae may also occur as a result of abnormal collagen formation, or a result of medications or chemicals that interfere with collagen formation. They may also be associated with longtime use of cortisone compounds, diabetes, Cushing disease, and post-pregnancy.
Causes Return to top
Home Care Return to top
There is no specific care for stretch marks. Marks often will disappear after the cause of the skin stretching is gone. Creams and ointments that claim to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy are of little value.
Avoiding rapid weight gain helps reduce stretch marks caused by obesity.
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
If striae or stretch marks appear without obvious cause such as pregnancy or rapid weight gain, call your health care provider.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit Return to top
You health care provider will examine you and ask questions about your symptoms, including:
If the striae are not caused by normal physical changes, tests may be done.
Update Date: 4/13/2009 Updated by: Jonathan Kantor, M.D., North Florida Dermatology Associates, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.