Stretch marks are indented streaks that appear on the skin, and they are a type of scar that develops when the skin stretches or shrinks quickly. The cause of stretch marks is stretching of the skin, and their severity is affected by several factors, including genetics and the degree of stress on the skin. Some of the common causes of stretch marks include:
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Pregnancy: As the skin stretches during pregnancy, it can cause stretch marks to appear.
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Rapid weight gain or loss: When the skin stretches or shrinks quickly due to weight gain or loss, it can cause stretch marks to appear.
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Puberty: Growth spurts that happen during puberty can cause stretch marks to appear.
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Bodybuilding: Putting on lots of muscle mass quickly, as bodybuilders sometimes do, can also cause stretch marks.
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Medical conditions: Any health condition that leads to weight gain, sudden growth, or skin problems may cause stretch marks. For example, problems with the adrenal glands, like Cushings disease, can cause stretch marks to appear.
Stretch marks are not harmful, but some people dont like the way they make their skin look. They often fade over time, with or without treatment, but they may never disappear completely.
