Stretch Marks, known medically as Striae are lines or streaks on the Skin, which can be pink, purple or white in colour (depending on their age), that occur when the inner skin layer is stretched thin and loses its elasticity. They commonly occur on the stomach, hips, thighs, back and breasts. Stretch Marks are particularly common in pregnant women, especially during the latter half of pregnancy.

You may be concerned about these bright streaks on your skin, but stretch marks aren’t serious and fade over time. Treatments can fade the appearance of stretch marks.

Causes of stretch marks

Stretch marks seem to be caused, literally, by a stretching of the skin, coupled with an increase in cortisone, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisone may weaken elastic fibers in the skin.

Pregnancy — Most pregnant women develop stretch marks by the end of their pregnancy. The physical stretching of the skin, along with hormonal factors, likely plays a role.

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