Stretch marks on a teenager: what to know

During puberty, height, hips, shoulders, breasts, or muscle can change over a relatively short period. The deeper skin layer may not remodel at the same pace, leaving lines called striae. They can occur in slim, larger, athletic, or changing bodies and may run across the back, thighs, hips, abdomen, shoulders, or upper arms. Fresh marks can be itchy and pink, red, purple, or darker; mature marks commonly become lighter. Their presence is not a measure of fitness, eating habits, or personal hygiene.

Reassure the teenager without dismissing the concern, and use a gentle moisturiser if dryness causes itch. Discourage scratching, harsh scrubs, and unprescribed steroid products. If appearance is affecting confidence, a dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis and discuss whether observation is best while growth continues. For selected cases, options may include Microneedling, Fractional Laser Treatment, RF Microneedling, or Carboxytherapy. A parent or guardian should understand the expected improvement, skin-tone risks, aftercare, and whether treatment should wait.

Contact a clinician if marks appear suddenly and extensively, or if they are accompanied by easy bruising, weakness, unusual growth changes, or other symptoms. Pain, warmth, persistent inflammation, or discharge needs assessment because those features are not typical of simple stretch marks. Bring a list of medicines, including steroid creams or tablets, to the appointment.

Ask whether the lines are typical of puberty-related stretch marks, whether any medicine could be involved, if treatment should wait until growth settles, and which option has the lowest risk of pigment change for this skin tone.