Stretch marks are fine lines on the body that occur from tissue under your skin tearing from rapid growth or over-stretching. It is a common condition that does not cause any significant medical problems but can be of cosmetic concern for some people. Other names for stretch marks are striae distensae, striae atrophicans, striae rubra (which are red) and striae alba (white).
- Stretch marks occur in certain areas of the body where skin is subjected to continuous and progressive stretching.
- Abdomen and breast in pregnant women
- Adolescents undergoing growth spurts (thighs, buttocks, breasts)
- Shoulders in body-builders
- Obese or overweight people
Stretch marks can also occur from prolonged use of oral or topical corticosteroids. They are also a feature of the disease Cushing’s syndrome, where increased adrenal cortical activity i.e. excessive circulating cortisol is implicated in their development.