Information on Stretch Marks

You might be wondering what that discolored white line on your body is? It is known as a stretch mark.  Stretch marks are common in both men and women.  They appear in the middle layer of the skin which is known as the dermis.  When the dermis is stretched constantly, it can break and leave a stretch mark.  They can be seen in different areas of a person’s body.

With the many types of scarring, stretch marks are quite common as they can be seen on the thighs, upper arms, abdomen, hips, etc.  For example, women might see stretch marks on their abdomen or breasts both during and after pregnancy because of the rapid weight gain.  Both men and women can see stretch marks after weight gain or weight loss.

These marks often appear to look red at first, and then as they mature they begin to look like a white streak.  With the variety of treatment options, one can reduce the appearance of stretch marks.  One easy treatment is over-the-counter stretch mark creams, which isn’t always beneficial due to the lack of daily use.  However, if one would like to use a more medical method, chemical peels, laser surgery, or dermabrasion can be helpful in reducing the appearance of the stretch mark.  Always remember that the effect of these treatments may vary depending on a person’s skin or age. To determine whether or not any of these treatments will work for you, it is best to see a licensed dermatologist.