What should you know about obesity stretch marks?

Stretch marks, also called striae, begin when deeper skin structures remodel faster than the skin can adapt. They may first look pink, red, purple, or darker than nearby skin before becoming lighter or less noticeable. They can appear on the abdomen, hips, thighs, breasts, upper arms, or other areas that change in size. Their appearance does not indicate poor hygiene, and they are not contagious.

Keeping skin comfortably moisturised can reduce dryness and itch, although moisturiser cannot rebuild altered deeper skin. Avoid harsh scrubbing and discuss any rapid body-size change or steroid medicine with a clinician. If the marks remain a concern, a dermatologist can explain options such as microneedling, fractional laser treatment, RF microneedling, or carboxytherapy. Suitability depends on the mark’s age and colour, your skin tone, healing history, and whether the skin is inflamed.

Arrange a medical review if marks appear suddenly without an obvious body-size change, become painful, bleed, ulcerate, or occur with unusual bruising or marked weakness. A clinician should also assess rapid widespread changes when you use corticosteroids or have other new symptoms. Seek help for the underlying concern rather than trying to treat damaged skin with aggressive products.

Ask which option matches your skin tone and mark type, how many visits may be needed, what temporary reactions are expected, and how to reduce pigment changes during healing.