Stretch marks are streaks or stripes on the skin, especially on the abdomen caused mainly by rapid stretching of your skin that may happen if you weight gain or sudden growth such as during pregnancy period. Stretch marks can also occur during puberty period or if you have family history of stretch marks. Stretch marks occurs because of tearing of the dermis, which over time may diminish, but will not disappear completely. When the dermis tears, the deeper skin layers will show through, forming stretch marks.Besides, it will allow the blood vessels below to show through which can be identified through the purple or red color at the initial stretch marks appearance.
In case of pregnancy, you will gain weight around 30 pounds in 9 months period. Growing significantly in relatively fast period can leave you with stretch marks, especially on your belly and breasts, two areas that grow the most. Stretch marks can also show up on the thighs, buttocks, and upper arms. The marks often start out reddish or purple, but after pregnancy they gradually fade to white or gray.
