- A type of scar that develops when our skin stretches or shrinks quickly. The abrupt change causes collagen and elastin fibres, which support our skin, to rupture. As the skin heals, stretch marks may appear.
- Occur as purple or pink marks ( Striae rubra ) that fade to a paler white ( striae alba ) over time. Sometimes it may associate with itchiness.
- Conditions that lead to stretch marks :
( i ) Pregnancy
(ii ) Rapid weight loss or gain
(iii) Growth spurts that happen in puberty
(iv) Shoulders in body-builders - Common areas : Stomach, buttocks, hips, thighs, arms & breast
- Aim of treatment is to stimulate own body production of collagen to improve skin laxity & to reduce stretch marks appearance.
Treatment :
- Microneedling
- Chemical Peel
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
- Topical Retinoid therapy