What should you know about horizontal stretch marks?

Stretch marks form when deeper skin layers change as the body grows or changes shape. They may appear on the abdomen, hips, thighs, breasts, arms, or back, and can run across the body rather than along it. New marks may look red, pink, purple, or darker than nearby skin; older marks often become lighter and slightly indented.

Common settings include puberty, pregnancy, rapid muscle gain, and significant changes in body size. Some medicines or health conditions that affect steroid hormones can also contribute. The marks themselves are usually a texture and colour change, but sudden widespread marks or other new symptoms deserve medical review.

Use gentle moisturising to reduce dryness and friction, and avoid scratching. A stable weight and sun protection can make contrast less noticeable, although creams cannot reliably rebuild altered deeper skin. A dermatologist can match treatment to the mark’s age, colour, skin tone, and location. Options may include Carboxytherapy, Microneedling, Fractional Laser Treatment, or RF Microneedling; several sessions may be discussed, and results vary.

Arrange an assessment if marks appear suddenly without an obvious body change, spread quickly, bruise easily, or occur with muscle weakness, facial rounding, unusual thirst, or other concerning symptoms. Seek advice before using prescription creams during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Pain, marked itch, oozing, or a rash that extends beyond the lines may indicate a separate skin problem.

Do these bands fit stretch marks or another skin condition? Which option suits their colour, age, and my skin tone? What temporary redness, swelling, or pigment change could follow treatment? How should I prepare, protect the area, and judge progress?