What should you know about new stretch marks?

Stretch marks, also called striae, may begin as pink, red, purple, brown, or darker lines and later become lighter or silvery. They can occur during pregnancy, puberty, weight change, muscle growth, or other periods when a body region changes quickly. Hormonal factors and inherited skin characteristics also influence who develops them. New marks may itch or feel slightly raised, while older marks often feel flatter. They are a change in the deeper skin structure, not dirt that can be scrubbed away.

Moisturiser can ease dryness and itch, although it does not erase established marks. Avoid scratching and keep the skin comfortable with gentle washing and breathable clothing. If appearance is a concern, a dermatologist can assess the mark’s age, colour, location, and skin tone before discussing options. Treatments such as Microneedling, Fractional Laser Treatment, RF Microneedling, or Carboxytherapy may be considered in selected cases. They aim to soften contrast or texture rather than recreate untouched skin, and results vary with the mark and treatment plan.

Arrange medical advice if marks appear suddenly over a large area without an obvious change in body size, or if they are accompanied by easy bruising, muscle weakness, unusual swelling, or other new symptoms. Ask for review before using a strong steroid cream over wide areas, especially if the marks began during treatment. Seek care for severe inflammation, open skin, or infection rather than treating the lines as a cosmetic issue alone.

Ask whether the lines fit stretch marks, what may have triggered them, whether any medicine could contribute, and which treatment matches their colour and maturity. Discuss expected recovery, the number of sessions proposed, sun precautions, and how your skin tone affects the risk of temporary colour change.