What could be the possible reasons for stretch marks in the absence of sudden weight gain or pregnancy?

Doctor's Answers 1

Stretch marks are a type of scar which commonly develops when a woman goes through pregnancy, causing the skin to stretch in a short time. This abrupt change will cause the collagen and elastin supporting our skin to rupture, causing the stretch marks.[1]

Excluding the 2 causes that you have mentioned, the other causes of stretch marks include:

  1. Sudden growth spurt or physiological stretch marks. This usually occurs in adolescents.
  2. Excessive application of topical steroids causing the skin to thin out.
  3. Excess corticosteroids in the body either due to intake of oral steroids / repeated steroid injections or an adrenal tumor producing it.

References:

Stretch marks: Why they appear and how to get rid of them | American Academy of Dermatology. Aad.org. https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/skin-care/stretch-marks. Published 2019. Accessed September 10, 2019. ‌

Similar Questions

What is the normal amount of weight gain during pregnancy? Is there any exercise I can’t do?

The recommended amount of weight gain would depend on your preexisting weight prior to pregnancy. In general for an average weightperson with BMI in the healthy range, the recommended weight gain would be between 12-15 kg. In fact even if the mum doesn’t put on much weight, or less than this range, but baby is growing well, we would not be too concerned. Fetal growth is more a result of a healthy mum and placental function rather than mum’s weight gain.

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Answered By

Dr Jasmine Mohd

Gynaecologist

How can I prevent pregnancy stretch marks?

In general, stretchmarks start developing in the late 2nd to 3rd trimester. Not all women develop stretchmarks. Some risk factors for the development of stretch marks include: Greater weight gain or distension of the abdomen, such as in multiple pregnancy or large fetus Genetic predisposition Greater melanin content in skin. Avoid putting on too much weight too fast! Various creams are on the market to prevent stretch marks. Unfortunately there is no clear evidence that individual topical agents necessarily work for the prevention of stretchmarks.

Photo of Dr Jasmine Mohd

Answered By

Dr Jasmine Mohd

Gynaecologist

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