Stretch Marks on Stomach Pictures - 33 Photos & Images

Stretch marks, also known as striae, are scars that appear on various parts of your skin, primarily around the stomach, thighs, hips, breasts, upper arms, lower back and even around your calves. They start out red and purple in appearance and later fade to a slightly off-colored hue that is similar to your skin tone, but still noticeable upon closer inspection. Stretch marks are often the product of stretching or tearing of the dermis, which is one of the layers of skin on a person's body. For many people, stretch marks can be embarrassing and unsightly, but most cases can be avoided.

1. Rapid Weight Gain and Obesity
One of the most common causes of stretch marks for most people is rapid weight gain or obesity. Anywhere in a person's body where fat is stored is most likely to be affected by stretch marks. The size and the amount of stretch marks that appear depend on the extent of a person's weight gain. The more weight that is gained in a short time frame, the more severe the stretch marks will appear.

2. Growth Spurts
Some teenagers may be alarmed to find stretch marks around their body, especially when they aren't overweight or haven't suffered from rapid weight gain at any point in their lives. The common explanation for the appearance of these stretch marks is from rapid growth spurts, especially during puberty. Just like rapid weight gain and obesity, any time the body grows or expands faster than the elasticity of the skin can handle, stretch marks can appear.

3. Weight Lifting
Weight lifting and those who start putting on more muscle mass at a rapid pace, like athletes, can expect to see stretch marks on their body, even though they are in good shape. This is why stretch marks cannot be used to identify a weight problem or obesity, since they can occur on people in top physical condition; the muscles under the skin are just growing too fast for the skin to handle. Those who are affected by stretch marks due to muscle building tend to see scarring primarily around the arms and shoulders.

4. Pregnancy
Pregnancy is most likely the predominant cause of stretch marks in most women. Because a woman's stomach is expanding at such a rapid pace during pregnancy, it is highly likely that she will develop stretch marks around her belly. Multiple pregnancies can lead to the formation of new stretch marks after each pregnancy.

5. Hormones
Hormonal imbalances have been labeled as one of the common causes of stretch marks. Since hormonal changes occur during puberty, pregnancy, obesity and even weight lifting, it's hard to pinpoint which particular factor is to blame for the appearance of stretch marks. The hormonal imbalance that occurs during these times can cause collagen and elastin fibers to tear over stretched skin, creating the appearance of stretch marks.

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