Conditions

Stretch marks

Stretch marks

When you think of all the astonishing changes a mum’s body goes through during and after pregnancy, it’s not surprising that there should be some lasting impact, and one of the commonest factors is stretch marks.

Between 75 and 90 per cent of women develop them, usually across the stomach, but also round the breasts, thighs and buttocks. They are caused by the rapid stretching of the skin that occurs during pregnancy, and take the form of little red or pink lines which seem to be under the actual surface of the skin. In fact, stretch marks can start to appear during the sixth month of pregnancy, and will last for several months afterwards. In some cases they never vanish completely, but for most women they do become less apparent over time. They are not painful, but the area can feel a little tender or even itchy after birth.

Traditionally, stretch marks were just a fact of any mum’s life, but there are plenty of treatments available now. To help prevent them forming in the first place, experts suggest massaging your baby bump with Vitamin E lotion or cocoa butter throughout pregnancy. Staying hydrated, having a healthy diet and taking recommended pre-natal vitamin supplements also help keep the skin supple.

Your likelihood of getting stretch marks is hereditary to some degree. If your own mum had them, you may too. The good news is that they do fade over time, and if you are really dedicated – and have the time! – muscle toning exercises can also help reduce their appearance.

What the Men in White Coats Say

Comments and Questions

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Hi im 17 I have really red deep stretch marks on my arms, legs, stomach, boobs, bum, thighs, hips, im a walking stretchmark and I have to dress with every part of my body coverd because im embarrased. Could you suggest any treatments I have used bio oil and coacoa butter.





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Hi iam 14 and am about to be 15, ive been suffering from stretch marks since i was 10 years old! i have went to doctors and everything all they say is apply lotion and keep it moisturised, i do but nothing has changed from the past few years, ive got really bad stretch marks on my thigh and legs and breast and hips and on my left shoulder and one on my back, this is really annoying me because nothing has worked for me to remove them ugly marks, the doctors have said i am not over weight, i am quite slim can you please help me out ? also i have lots of acne on my face which i really want to get rid of. I went to the GP they have given me a medicine "benzyl peroxide" i have researched this and heard that its really good i only applied it once and i started to get all there red rashes all around my face and it burns and stings at the same time, can you help me out please ? how can you get rid or acne and dry skin on face, ive got dry skin because of that medicine they have provided me with, shall i buy sudoco cream i heard its really good, would it do any good ?





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I'm 16 Years Old And have suffered from really bad stretch marks on my thighs since the age of 13 They are worse than my mothers and she's had three kids. I hate my stretch marks my self asteem and confidence Have gone down hill most days i feel like the best option is to cut my skin off because they won't go away i've tried everything they just wont go. Please Help I can't wear what i want to wear and can't go out with friends when they go swimming and to parties If i go to parties i wear trousers I can't wear i dress





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Hi my name is amy am 17 i have had strech marks and i feel very self consciousabout my body as i used to wear a bikini with my friends when they go swimming abd now i cant and how they have apeared i feel that everyone is looking at me and everytime i go to 6th form and when i go to the caravan i feel that i have to cover my arms and legs also my stomachand i have tried all of the oils and creams and now i dont know what to do can you please help me





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I am 17 and i have very red deep stretch marks on my stomach. I have tried the creams to make them fade or go away...but nothing will work. It's embarrassing, I hate going swimming with m friends and wearing things that my belly shows. I just want a normal teenage life but I'm getting to the point where I think that will never happen, any help would be greatly appreciated..





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hi i am 17 and i am 10 stone and 5ft 8 i have had my streatch marks for 3 years and i hate my bodie i cant go swimming whith frends or were close that i would like to were i have tryed all sorts of oils and they just will not go i have them on my arms,legs,waste,brest and bum i am fed up can you help!





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I am 16 an have stretch marks on my arms and on my stomach what it the best thing to do?





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Hi there im 14 and ive got stretch marks on my chest area but nothing seems to be growing? im a b cup 34 but it doest seem like they are growing at all? i also havnt started my period and i have had spotting but its never fully come. Im just worried i wont develop fully ... please help





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Hey I am 13 ,5ft 3 and 110 pounds and I have stretch marks on my upper thighs and breast. Is this normal????? I really need help!!!





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Completely! I had them when I was 13 and its only because at that age you grow really quickly, especially the breasts. I'd recommend using bio oil; the effects aren't immediate but over time the stretch mark become skin coloured and barely noticable. I'm 18 now and the stretch marks have completely gone. Hope this helps!

I'm 17, ive never had stretch marks until the recent few months where I put on a small amount of weight. It's got me So down to the point I'm depressed! I've tried bio oil, baby oil To see if it would ease off but it hasn't! It's Just getting worse. I'm in the process of loosing weight and going to the gym. I need all the help i can get cos its really bad! I can't talk to my mum or anyone, I've even considered seeing my GP to see what they have to say! It's all over my thighs now. I need help! Please!! :(





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It looks like no one else has asked this question, so please fill in the rest of your details below.





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Content supplied by NHS Choices

Stretch marks are narrow, streak-like lines that can develop on the surface of the skin. They're also sometimes known as stria or striae. Stretch marks are often red or purple at first, before gradually fading to a silvery-white colour. Read More »