Stretch marks

The facts on stretch marks
Pregnancy is normally an exciting time, filled with preparations and dreams of the new baby. Pregnancy can also bring unexpected bodily changes. You may start to notice red or purplish streaks forming on your body, most commonly on your belly and breasts. They are a sign that the skin is stretching to accommodate and nurture the life growing inside. Photographs of pregnant women in the media typically present images of women whose skin is blemish-free. But the true picture is that up to 90% of women will have some stretch marks as a result of pregnancy.

What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks (Striae gravidarum) are formed when the tissue underneath the top layers of skin (dermis) expands at a faster rate than the skin above it (epidermis). There is a huge variation in the length, width and depth of these marks when they form. 

The tissue tears and scars are formed in the epidermal surface. The scars may be a red or purple colour, and they will fade to a pale silvery colour over time. Some stretch marks may be silvery from the start. They can appear anywhere on the body, from the shoulders down.

Stretch marks might become itchy while they are forming. Occasionally, a pregnant woman may find that her stretch marks are so deep that they bleed; if this happens it is best to see a doctor for advice.

Who gets them? 
Anyone can get stretch marks. A rapidly growing teenager may develop them. A bodybuilder may find them anywhere he or she has increased muscle mass. Many women are surprised when they notice that their husband has stretch marks - these stretch marks may be faded or in an inconspicuous place, such as the lower back, and he may not know that he has them. Stretch marks are most commonly associated with pregnancy.

To a large degree, genetics determine a person's susceptibility to developing stretch marks. If your biological mother or sister developed stretch marks during pregnancy, you are more likely to develop them as well. Some women start noticing them as early as the first trimester.
Corticosteroids and Cushing's syndrome may also cause stretch marks. Continued...