Print this page
 Email this page

 Connect with UMMC on:
 Twitter
 Facebook
 YouTube
iPhone

 Share this page:

Bookmark and Share

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

 

Video details

[ Flash player icon ] Please install flash player to see this video.

Hospital Virtual Tour

Click to take a virtual tour

Related Content


 

Striae - Treatment

Alternative Names

Striae atrophica; Stretch marks; Striae distensae

Home Care:

There is no specific care for stretch marks. Marks often will disappear after the cause of the skin stretching is gone. Creams and ointments that claim to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy are of little value.

Avoiding rapid weight gain helps reduce stretch marks caused by obesity.

Call your health care provider if:

If striae or stretch marks appear without obvious cause such as pregnancy or rapid weight gain, call your health care provider.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

You health care provider will examine you and ask questions about your symptoms, including:

  • Is this the first time that you have developed striae?
  • When did you first notice the stretchmarks?
  • What medicines have you taken?
  • Have you used a cortisone skin cream?
  • What other symptoms do you have?

If the striae are not caused by normal physical changes, tests may be done.

  • Reviewed last on: 4/13/2009
  • Jonathan Kantor, M.D., North Florida Dermatology Associates, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com