Stretch marks, calledstriaemedically, are scars that appear when skin stretches or shrinks quickly.
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What Are Red Stretch Marks Exactly?
Discolored stretch marks are a key in of scar.
Iuliia Burmistrova / Getty Images
They form when the skin changes size rapidly, either growing or getting smaller.
When stretch marks first appear, they are boldly colored, often red.
Theyre often raised and might be itchy.
Within a few months, they fade and are less noticeable against your skin tone.
Red vs. White
Red (or purple or brown) stretch marks are new stretch marks.
White or translucent stretch marks are older.
Over time, stretch marks will fade from bold colors to white, translucent, or skin tone.
However, they dont go away entirely.
A Word From Verywell
Stretch marks are extremely common.
When new, stretch marks may appear reddish, brown, or a variation of dark colors.
This is when they are most responsive to treatment.
They will fade and become paler with time.
It is worth consulting with a dermatologist for help if they bother you cosmetically.
What Causes Red Stretch Marks?
The most common is using steroid cream, like hydrocortisone cream, on your skin too often.
The research about stretch mark treatments that work is mixed.
If youve just noticed red stretch marks, its a good time to try treatment.
Dermatologist treatments
One of the most effective treatments for stretch marks islaser treatment.
For some people, laser treatments can reduce the appearance of stretch marks by up to 50%.
Prescription medicines
Two types of prescription medications can help remove stretch marks when applied to the skin.
In fact, research indicates massaging helps stretch marks fade.
Stick to the creams rather than the sun.
Stretch marks don’t tan like healthy skin, so exposure to the sun may make them more noticeable.
Of course, this isnt always possiblefor example, rapid growth is expected and healthy during puberty or pregnancy.
Summary
Red stretch marks are newer stretch marks.
They usually appear during or after periods of weight loss or weight gain.
Treatments, including laser treatment, may help them fade faster.
American Academy of Dermatological Association.Stretch marks: why they appear and how to get rid of them.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Striae.
