Stretch Marks, Also Known As striae, Are A Form Of scarring on The skin with An Off-color Hue. Over Time They May Diminish, But Will Not Disappear Completely. Stretch Marks Formed During Pregnancy, Usually During The Last Trimester, And Usually On The Belly, But Also Commonly Occurring On The Breasts, Thighs, Hips, Lower Back And Buttocks, Are Known As Striae Gravidarum.

Stretch Marks Are Caused By Tearing Of The dermis. This Is Often From The Rapid Stretching Of The Skin Associated With Rapid Growth Or Rapid Weight Changes. Stretch Marks May Also Be Influenced By Hormonal Changes Associated With Puberty, pregnancy, bodybuilding, Or hormone Replacement Therapy.

There Is No Evidence That Creams Used During Pregnancy Prevent Stretch Marks.Once They Have Formed There Is No Clearly Useful Treatment Though Various Methods Have Been Tried.