Print Overview Stretch marks on arm Enlarge image Close Stretch marks on arm Stretch marks on arm Some people are prone to develop stretch marks on the upper arms, abdomen, buttocks and thighs. New stretch marks are bright pink, red, blue, black or purple. Older stretch marks fade. Stretch marks (striae) are indented streaks that appear on the abdomen, breasts, hips, buttocks or other places on the body. They're common in pregnant women, especially during the last trimester. Stretch marks aren't painful or harmful, but some people don't like the way they make their skin look. Stretch marks don't require treatment. They often fade over time, with or without treatment. They may never disappear completely.Products & ServicesBook: Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy Symptoms Stretch marks in pregnancy Enlarge image Close Stretch marks in pregnancy Stretch marks in pregnancy Stretch marks are common in pregnancy, especially during the last trimester. They often fade but don't usually disappear. Widespread stretch marks Enlarge image Close Widespread stretch marks Widespread stretch marks Stretch marks can cover large areas of the body, but it happens rarely. This can result from corticosteroid medicine use or a disease such as Cushing syndrome. Stretch marks don't all look alike. They vary depending on how long you've had them, what caused them, where they are on your body and the type of skin you have. Common variations include: Indented streaks or lines on the abdomen, breasts, hips, buttocks or other places on the body Pink, red, discolored, black, blue or purple streaks Bright streaks that fade to a lighter color Streaks covering large areas of the body When to see a doctorSee your health care provider if you're concerned about the appearance of your skin or if the stretch marks cover large areas of your body. Your health care provider can help determine the cause of the stretch marks and discuss treatment options. Request an appointment CausesThe cause of stretch marks is stretching of the skin. Their severity is affected by several factors, including your genetics and the degree of stress on the skin. Your level of the hormone cortisol also might play a role. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It weakens elastic fibers in the skin. Risk factorsAnyone can develop stretch marks, but some factors increase your likelihood of getting them, including: Being female Having a personal or family history of stretch marks Being pregnant, especially if you're young Rapid growth in adolescence Rapidly gaining or losing weight Using corticosteroids Having breast enlargement surgery Exercising and using anabolic steroids Having a genetic disorder such as Cushing syndrome or Marfan syndrome By Mayo Clinic Staff Request an appointment Diagnosis & treatment Jan. 12, 2023 Print Share on: FacebookTwitter Show references Kang S, et al., eds. Skin changes and diseases in pregnancy. In: Fitzpatrick's Dermatology. 9th ed. McGraw Hill; 2019. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed Nov. 10, 2020. Ferri FF, et al., eds. Striae (stretch marks). In: Ferri's Fast Facts in Dermatology: A Practical Guide to Skin Diseases and Disorders. 2nd ed. Elsevier; 2019. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Nov. 10, 2020. Landon MB, et al., eds. Skin disease and pregnancy. In: Gabbe's Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 8th ed. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Nov. 10, 2020. Wick MJ, ed. Month 8: Weeks 29 to 32. In: Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy. 2nd ed. Mayo Clinic; 2018. Kutlubay Z, et al. The color of skin: Brown diseases of the skin, nails, and mucosa. Clinics in Dermatology. 2019; doi.org/10.1016/j.clindermatol.2019.07.007. MacGregor JL, et al. Striae distensae (stretch marks). https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Dec. 2, 2020. Related Stretch marks in pregnancy Stretch marks on arm Widespread stretch marks Associated Procedures Dermabrasion Products & Services Book: Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy Stretch marksSymptoms & causesDiagnosis & treatment Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceNEW – Future Care - Mayo Clinic PressNEW – Future CareMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book CON-20155450 Patient Care & Health Information Diseases & Conditions Stretch marks