Rx Note

Introduction A stretch mark (stria) is a type of scar that develops when our skin stretches or shrinks quickly . The abrupt changes cause the collagen and elastin, which support our skin, to rupture. As the skin heals, stretch marks may appear. Early stretch marks are usually red or purple due to inflammatory reaction in the skin . Over time, stretch marks lose their colour and become white or silvery in appearance (replaced by scar tissue). Causes If you develop stretch marks, you are most likely to do so during these times. Growth spurts that happen in puberty Pregnancy Rapid weight loss or gain Weight training when you have rapid muscle growth Other potential causes include: Prolonged use of oral or topical corticosteroid and from anabolic steroids People with Cushing syndrome or Marfan syndrome Treatment Available Stretch marks are non-life-threatening and asymptomatic . They naturally fade and usually become less conspicuous over time, so in many cases, treatment may not be n...