How do I know if my stretch marks are new?

Curt Sanfratello asked, updated on November 3rd, 2022; Topic: stretch marks
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New stretch marks are bright pink, red, blue, black or purple. Older stretch marks fade. Stretch marks (striae) are indented streaks that appear on the abdomen, breasts, hips, buttocks or other places on the body.

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At the very least, are new stretch marks white or purple?

Stretch marks are also associated with long-term application of corticosteroids and with certain health conditions, such as Cushing's disease and Marfan syndrome. Darker colored stretch marks, such as purple ones, are typically newer. Without treatment, they'll usually fade to white or silver over time.

As well as, are white stretch marks old or new? White stretch marks are older skin scars that are more difficult to treat than newer stretch marks. However, there are options available to reduce the appearance of your scars if you so choose.

Come what may, what do recent stretch marks look like?

The marks initially develop as wrinkly, raised streaks that can be red, purple, pink, reddish-brown or dark brown, depending on skin color. The streaks eventually fade and flatten and tend to change to a silvery color over time. Stretch marks may gradually become less noticeable, but this can often take years.

What does the color of your stretch marks mean?

Why Are Stretchmarks Different Colours. Some stretch marks are quite a deep shade of purple; others are pinkish-red; whilst others are silvery and almost colourless. What makes them appear in different hues? The colour of stretch marks gives an indication of how new they are and how the body is responding to them.

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Are red stretch marks bad?

Red stretch marks are common and benign. They typically occur when the skin stretches due to the rapid increase in size of underlying structures. Red stretch marks are not harmful. However, some people may wish to treat them or reduce their appearance with topical creams and other therapies.

When do red stretch marks turn white?

This is due to the stretching of the surface of your skin, and the color is only temporary. After a while, the stretch marks will fade over time, eventually turning into light pink or white. If home remedies don't improve the appearance of your red stretch marks, consider talking to your doctor for treatment.

What does it mean if my stretch marks are white?

The red hue indicates the presence of blood vessels under the skin. These blood vessels may respond well to treatment. Once the marks turn white, however, it suggests that the blood vessels have narrowed. Narrow blood vessels make successful treatment less likely.

Why do stretch marks turn purple?

However, rapid growth can cause the skin to over-stretch and break the fibres. The tears in the dermis allow the blood vessels below to show through, which is why stretch marks are often red or purple when they first appear.

What's the difference between red and white stretch marks?

They begin red because blood vessels are present under the skin. The presence of functioning blood vessels allows red stretch marks to be more responsive to treatment. White stretch marks (striae alba) are older and more difficult to treat.

What color are stretch marks when you lose weight?

Old stretch marks are usually red or pink. When stretch marks are still fresh they usually appear as red or pink to purplish-blue streaks. Over time they become more scar-like: thinner, paler, and rather indented. When stretch marks are still fresh they usually appear as red or pink to purplish-blue streaks.

When do stretch marks start?

Stretch marks develop in nine out of ten pregnancies, usually in the sixth or seventh month. These pinkish streaks around stomachs, breasts, or hips happen when collagen and elastin (the fibers that keep your skin taut) stretch and snap during pregnancy due to the pressure of rapid weight gain.

Why do I keep getting stretch marks without gaining weight?

Underlying Health Conditions (Marfan Syndrome) Marfan Syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the body's connective tissue; causing the tissue in the body to not grow and develop properly, this can cause stretch marks to appear without any visible reason (i.e. weight gain/pregnancy).

Do stretch marks get darker before they fade?

At this stage, your physician or technician will use intense pulsed light (IPL), pulsed dye lasers or Nd:YAG lasers to target redness and reduce the appearance of stretch marks while making new collagen. Beware that the markings will get darker before they eventually lighten.

When do purple stretch marks fade?

After 1 year, stretch marks are considered mature. You can't fade mature stretch marks. But if you start early, within a few months of developing stretch marks, you may be able to improve how they look.

Can exercising reduce stretch marks?

Exercise also helps reduce the marks. "Exercise promotes anti-oxidants and give us good blood flow, which are really important for stimulating new collagen. Any repair is much better when we're exercising."

Does scratching stretch marks make worse?

The key to getting itchy stretch marks under control is to treat the underlying itchiness. Try not to scratch, because it makes you more prone to cuts and infections.

Why are my stretch marks getting worse?

When stretch marks appear, it's most often because you've experienced rapid weight gain. To prevent the stretch marks from getting worse, stop any additional weight gain. If you're purposely trying to build muscle mass, consider slowing your routine down so your skin has time to acclimate.

What are the worst kind of stretch marks?

Striae albae is classified as the more chronic (or mature) stage of stretch mark formation. Here stretch marks become more scar-like, irregularly shaped and hypopigmented (faded / white – losing vascular alterations). Some may even develop a fine wrinkly texture.

Is it normal to have stretch marks at 13?

Stretch marks are a normal part of puberty for most people. People who are obese often have stretch marks.

Do stretch marks appear randomly?

This continual tugging and stretching can cause stretch marks. Stretch marks sometimes appear when you rapidly gain or lose weight. Teenagers may also notice stretch marks after a sudden growth spurt. Corticosteroid creams, lotions, and pills can cause stretch marks by decreasing the skin's ability to stretch.