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Skin Problems & Treatments Health Center

Stretch Marks Directory

Stretch marks can be the result of pregnancy, weight gain, weight loss, or even genetics. They start out as red or purple lines that eventually turn white or silver. There is no treatment for stretch marks that can be considered very effective, although some have seen results using dermabrasion, chemical peels, laser surgery, or creams. A dermatologist can help determine the best treatments for you. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about how stretch marks are caused, how to prevent them, how to treat them, and much more.

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Thumbnail: Stretch Marks: Causes, Types of Treatment, Prevention, and More

Known by doctors as “striae” (usually “striae distensae” or, in the case of pregnancy, “striae gravidarum”) stretch marks typically appear after rapid weight gain or loss. They are most common during pregnancy and the teen years, when growth spurts and increased levels of steroid hormones cause significant changes throughout the body.

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