What should you know about fresh stretch marks?

Stretch marks, also called striae, develop when skin expands or changes more quickly than its supporting fibres can adapt. They may appear during pregnancy, growth, weight change, or muscle gain, and can occur on the abdomen, hips, thighs, breasts, buttocks, arms, or back. New marks often have a red, pink, purple, or darker tone before gradually becoming paler. The colour and texture vary with skin tone and how long the mark has been present. They are not contagious, and their presence does not by itself indicate an illness.

Avoid scratching, harsh scrubs, and tight clothing that rubs the area. Use a bland moisturiser if the skin feels dry or itchy, and protect exposed marks from sun because tanning can make colour differences more noticeable. A dermatologist can check whether the lines are stretch marks and discuss options such as Microneedling, Fractional Laser Treatment, RF Microneedling, or Carboxytherapy. These procedures may improve texture or colour over a course of treatment, but suitability depends on skin tone, location, pregnancy status, medicines, and whether the marks are still changing.

Arrange a dermatology review if marks appear suddenly without a clear period of stretching, spread quickly, are painful, or occur with easy bruising, muscle weakness, or other new body changes. Seek prompt medical advice for broken skin, warmth, swelling, drainage, or marked tenderness, since those features need assessment rather than cosmetic treatment. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or using steroid medicines, mention this before choosing a procedure or active cream.

Ask which features confirm stretch marks, whether their current colour changes the treatment plan, how many visits may be considered, and what temporary redness or pigment change could follow treatment. Also ask which products and procedures should be avoided during pregnancy or breastfeeding.