What patients notice
Common signs and descriptions
- Red, purple or pale lines
- Abdomen, thighs, hips or arms
- Soft wrinkled texture
- Development after growth or weight change
Scars & Stretch Marks
Stretch Marks
Stretch marks change colour and texture as they mature; early red marks differ from older pale marks.
In plain language
What this term means.
Stretch marks are linear dermal scars that develop when skin changes rapidly under hormonal and mechanical influence.
Possible explanations
Different causes can look similar
- Pregnancy
- Growth spurts
- Weight or muscle change
- Corticosteroid exposure or medical conditions
Professional assessment
How a consultation may clarify the concern.
Age, colour, depth, thickness, symptoms and location are documented
A tendency to form raised scars and the original cause are considered
Treatment approach
Options follow the diagnosis
- Choose care according to scar maturity and type
- Combine colour, texture and symptom treatments only where appropriate
Avoid
What not to do
- Do not cut, burn or use strong acids on scars at home
- Avoid treating a growing raised scar as a simple dark mark
Care
Useful next steps
- Protect healing skin from sun and follow wound-care advice
- Seek early review if a scar becomes raised or symptomatic
Frequently asked
Questions to take into consultation.
A photograph can document appearance but may not show texture, depth, scalp findings or warning signs. A diagnosis and personalised plan may require history and in-person examination.
Not usually. The appropriate pathway depends on the cause, severity, skin or hair characteristics, previous treatment, medical suitability and the result you hope to achieve.
Related treatments and guides
Related concerns