Why are my stretch marks itchy?

Can stretch marks itch?

Yes. An early sign can be a patch of thin, flattened, pink skin that occasionally itches, before distinct lines develop. New marks can then look slightly raised or swollen and appear red, purple, pink, reddish brown or dark brown, depending on skin color. Older stretch marks usually become paler and slightly sunken. Itching alone does not tell you whether a mark is new or identify the cause of every itchy patch. Look at whether the discomfort follows the lines or comes with a separate rash, bumps or scaly skin.123

What is happening under the skin?

Stretch marks are scars involving the dermis, the middle layer of skin. Rapid stretching can break the fibers that support this layer. Collagen gives skin structure and strength; elastin lets it stretch. Marks appear as the affected skin heals. Common triggers include pregnancy, puberty, rapid weight changes and rapid muscle growth. Family history also affects your chances of developing them. Stretch marks themselves are generally harmless, and their changing color and texture are part of how they develop rather than a reason to try to scrub them away.1456

How should I care for the itchy area?

1. 1Wash with warm rather than hot water.
2. 2Use a mild cleanser and wash gently instead of scrubbing.
3. 3Apply a moisturizer, such as a lotion, cream or ointment, to help prevent dry skin.

These are general skin care steps, not a treatment that removes stretch marks. Moisturizer helps prevent dry skin, but giving it the job of deleting a scar is a substantial promotion. If a stretch mark cream causes irritation or a bad skin reaction, stop using it and discuss the reaction with a healthcare professional rather than adding more treatments.25

Will a stretch mark cream help?

Treatment can help alleviate itching and make some stretch marks less noticeable, but no single treatment works for everyone. Creams promising to prevent, reduce or remove stretch marks have very little evidence behind them, despite the considerable workload assigned to the word "remove". Hyaluronic acid and prescription tretinoin can help the appearance of early marks. If you try a product intended to fade them, gently massage it into early marks and apply it daily for weeks. Mature marks respond less well. Cocoa butter, almond oil, olive oil and vitamin E have not been effective at fading marks.16

How long will the itching last?

There is no fixed timetable for stretch mark itching. The visible marks generally take six to twelve months to fade, but that is not an itch recovery schedule. Marks usually become less noticeable without treatment and can remain permanently. If discomfort continues, a healthcare professional can assess the symptoms rather than treating fading color as proof that the itching should have stopped.15

When should I get medical advice?

Contact a healthcare professional if stretch marks appear without an obvious cause, such as pregnancy or rapid weight gain. Mention steroid creams or tablets you use, because prolonged use can contribute. Large marks together with more fat around the chest and tummy, slim arms and legs, fat around the neck and shoulders, or a red, rounded face need assessment for possible Cushing's syndrome, a condition involving excess cortisol. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor before treating stretch marks. Do not use retinoid creams during pregnancy.1367