What should you know about growth stretch marks?

Stretch marks, also called striae distensae, develop when the deeper supporting layers of skin are stretched faster than they can adapt. They may appear during puberty, a growth spurt, rapid muscle development, or changes in body size. Early marks can look pink, red, purple, or darker than nearby skin; older marks often become lighter and slightly indented. They commonly occur on the thighs, hips, buttocks, breasts, abdomen, upper arms, or back. Their colour and visibility vary with skin tone.

Keep the skin comfortable with a bland moisturiser and avoid vigorous scratching when it feels dry or itchy. Sun protection can reduce contrast between a mark and surrounding skin. Creams and oils may improve softness but cannot reliably remove established lines. If their appearance bothers you, a dermatologist can discuss options such as microneedling, RF Microneedling, fractional laser treatment, or carboxytherapy. These procedures may require more than one appointment and are chosen according to skin tone, mark maturity, and risk of pigment change.

Arrange a clinical review if marks appear suddenly without a clear growth or body-size change, spread rapidly, become unusually wide, or occur with easy bruising, muscle weakness, facial rounding, or use of steroid medicines. Seek advice as well if a mark is painful, persistently itchy, bleeding, or inflamed. A clinician can distinguish stretch marks from other skin changes and review possible causes.

Ask which features confirm stretch marks, whether any medicine or health condition could be contributing, which treatment suits your skin tone and mark stage, how many sessions may be needed, and what pigment or scarring changes to watch for afterward.