What Causes Purple Stretch Marks?

Purple, vein-like stretch marks on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks and breasts are common. Stretch marks appear in 90 percent of pregnant women, though adolescents and adults of both genders can get them during periods of rapid growth, muscle development or weight gain. Though creams may relieve the itching often associated with stretch marks, there is no way to prevent them.

Cause

• Stretch marks appear when the skin is stretched too much and too quickly for it to produce collagen normally.

Effects

• This breakdown of collagen causes the middle layer of skin to tear, and the result is similar to scar tissue.

Identification

• When collagen breaks up, capillaries under the skin become dilated, which causes the stretch marks to look purple.

Types

• New stretch marks are purple or reddish, while older ones appear white or silvery.

Solution

• Non-invasive laser treatments that treat stretch marks are available.