Stretch marks appear on areas of the skin that have expanded quickly and look like bands, stripes or lines. They can develop on the stomach, hips, thighs, buttocks, breasts and other places on the body.1

When stretch marks are new, they might be slightly raised and itchy. Coloring can range from red, pink or even brown,2 and the skin might seem thin or glossy. In time, the marks get longer and might turn a deep purple in color. Eventually, stretch marks smooth out and become “atrophic” or sunken areas of skin. They also change to a whitish color.

REFERENCES:

• Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Superficial Dermabrasion in the Treatment of Recent Stretch Marks, March 2009.
• Striae Distensae (Stretch Marks) and Different Modalities of Therapy: An Update, Dermatologic Surgery, April 2009.