What do red stretch marks mean?

What does having stretch marks mean?

A stretch mark is a scar that forms when skin stretches or shrinks quickly. The sudden change breaks collagen and elastin, the fibres that give skin support and stretch. The marks appear as the skin heals. The medical name is striae. Early marks can feel slightly raised and itchy; mature marks often feel slightly sunken. Having stretch marks usually reflects a period of physical change, not a disease. Family history increases your chance of developing them, and changing hormone levels seem to play a role.34

Why have red stretch marks appeared?

Common circumstances include:

• Puberty, when growth happens quickly.
• Pregnancy, when body size and hormones change.
• Rapid weight gain or weight loss.
• Bodybuilding or weightlifting that produces rapid muscle growth.
• Long term use of some steroid medicines, including prednisone, or prolonged use of corticosteroid skin creams.

Stretch marks commonly appear on the tummy, breasts, hips, thighs, buttocks, upper arms and lower back. Teenage boys sometimes develop horizontal marks across the back, while bodybuilders can develop them on the shoulders. Their location often corresponds to the area that has stretched.16

Do stretch marks mean you are fat?

No. Anyone can get stretch marks, including people going through puberty, pregnancy or rapid muscle growth. Weight gain can stretch the skin and cause marks, but marks also develop after rapid weight loss. Stretch marks alone cannot tell you whether your current weight is healthy. If marks appeared around a growth spurt or a change in training, weight gain is not the only explanation to consider.57

What do purple stretch marks mean?

Purple stretch marks, like red ones, are usually early marks. Rapid stretching damages fibres in the dermis, the middle layer of skin, allowing blood vessels below to show through. As those vessels become smaller, the marks turn paler. New marks can also look pink, reddish brown or dark brown, depending on skin colour. Red is not a separate category of stretch mark requiring its own treatment.13

What is the difference between white and red stretch marks?

How long do red stretch marks take to fade?

Stretch marks generally take six to twelve months to fade, and treatment can sometimes make them less noticeable sooner. Fading means the colour becomes less prominent; it does not mean the skin necessarily returns to its previous texture. Stretch marks are scars and can remain visible after the redness has gone. Leaving them untreated is a valid option because they are not harmful to physical health.56

What can help new red stretch marks?

Hyaluronic acid and retinoid creams such as tretinoin can help make new stretch marks less noticeable. Treatments improve appearance rather than remove the marks. Many creams and lotions claim to prevent, reduce or remove stretch marks, but there is very little evidence that they work. A cream can claim to remove stretch marks without giving the scar any reason to cooperate.6

If you choose to try a stretch mark cream or gel:

1. 1Check with your doctor first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use retinoid creams during pregnancy.
2. 2Use the product on early marks rather than waiting until they have turned white.
3. 3Massage the product gently into the marks.
4. 4Apply it daily for weeks. Any visible improvement takes weeks rather than appearing after one application.

Tretinoin is a prescription retinoid. Retinol is another retinoid found in skincare creams; noticeable results can require at least six months of regular use. Retinol can cause dryness, irritation, discolouration and sensitivity to light. Speak to a healthcare professional if a stretch mark product causes a bad skin reaction.35

Almond oil, cocoa butter, olive oil and vitamin E have not faded stretch marks in studies, despite their popularity as home remedies. Cocoa butter's reputation has travelled further than its results. Tanning does not remove stretch marks and makes them more noticeable because the marks do not tan. Self tanner can camouflage both early and mature marks, but does not treat the scar.3

Are procedures worth considering?

Options include light or laser treatment and microdermabrasion, which removes a thin layer of skin. These treatments can improve appearance but do not get rid of stretch marks, and they are not available on the NHS. Microneedling uses fine needles to stimulate new collagen and elastin. Most people need three to six sessions; full results can take four to six months or longer. Possible effects include irritation, swelling, discolouration and flaky skin. Discuss the likely benefit, recovery and risks before choosing a procedure.56

Can you prevent more stretch marks?

Stretch marks cannot always be prevented, particularly during pregnancy. Avoiding rapid weight gain and weight loss can reduce the chance of developing them. If weight loss is needed, gradual changes are preferable to rapid ones. Steady pregnancy weight gain can help minimise stretch marks, but pregnancy is not a reason to start a special diet. Prevention is not a promise, however confidently a lotion prints it on the bottle.1

When should you see a doctor?

Contact your healthcare provider if stretch marks appear without a clear cause, such as pregnancy or rapid growth or weight change. A clinician can review when the marks started, your medicines, any cortisone cream use and other symptoms. Tests are sometimes needed when normal physical changes do not explain the marks.4

Arrange a GP appointment if large stretch marks occur with more fat around the chest and tummy but slim arms and legs, fat around the back of the neck and shoulders, or a red, puffy, rounded face. These can be signs of Cushing's syndrome, a condition involving high levels of the hormone cortisol.24

See your GP if distress about stretch marks is affecting daily activities or you feel depressed. You can also seek help to explore treatment options when marks cover a large area.15