Striae (stretch marks) often follow weight gain or pregnancy. This image displays striae (stretch marks). The thinned skin in striae has a wrinkled, crepe-paper-like appearance. This image displays parallel stripes of red typical of striae (stretch marks). This image displays bright red striae (stretch marks) in parallel lines, as is typical in early instances. This image displays striae (stretch marks) on a shoulder. This image displays multiple parallel red-purple striae (stretch marks).  This image displays light-colored areas of skin that are thin and slightly elevated, typical of old striae (stretch marks). This image displays striae in the groin area of a rapidly growing young man.
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Picture of Stretch Marks (Striae): Striae (stretch marks) often follow weight gain or pregnancy. Divider line
Striae (stretch marks) often follow weight gain or pregnancy.
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Self-Care Guidelines
  • Stretch marks appearing in adolescence often improve with time. No treatment is needed.
  • Where applicable, stop using topical corticosteroid creams in that skin area. Over-the-counter creams are useless. 
When to Seek Medical Care
See your doctor if stretch marks appear without an obvious cause (pregnancy, rapid weight gain, adolescent growth). 
Last Modified: 20 Dec 2007
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