Stretch marks occur when the skin stretches quickly, like in the case of a pregnant woman, in areas around the abdomen, breasts and buttocks, but may also appear on the limbs during a pubertal growth spurt. They can also occur due to the use of steroids. Stretch marks are usually asymptomatic but may occasionally be itchy during the early stages.

Anyone can get stretch marks at any age. However, the following risk factors increase the likelihood:

• Pregnancy, especially in the last trimester
• Quick weight gain or fluctuation
• Growth spurt during adolescence
• Bodybuilding
• Women are more prone than men
• Personal or family history of stretch marks
• Use of systemic or topical steroid
• Genetic disorders like Marfan syndrome or endocrine disorders like Cushing syndrome