ask your pharmacist

back to: pharmacy | ask your pharmacist

What are stretch marks?

Stretch marks, or striae, form when your skin is continuously stretched, as it is during pregnancy, with weight changes, growth spurts, or while weight lifting. In some cases, stretch marks may be caused by a medical condition or by certain medicines such as steroid creams like triamcinolone (brand name Kenalog) and clobetasol (Temovate). Initially, stretch marks can appear pink or purple in color, but often fade with time and become less noticeable. While stretch marks are not considered dangerous, many people find them unsightly.

Unfortunately, there are no products that are proven to prevent stretch marks. They can also be difficult to treat. People have tried several different over-the-counter and prescription products for stretch marks.

Sources:
The Merck Manual of Medical Information: Home Edition. Merck & Co., 1997.
Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. William Morrow & Co., 1996.
Kang S. "The Evolving Role of Retinoids in the Management of Cutaneous Conditions", Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 39 (1998).
Alster TS. "Laser Treatment of Hypertrophic Scars, Keloids, and Striae", Dermatologic Clinics, 15 (1997).
Gabbe: Obstetrics-Normal and Problem Pregnancies. Churchill Livingstone, Inc., 1996.
Medline Plus. Medline, 2007.

This answer prepared 1/18/2001.
This information updated 1/10/2007.