Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSigns and SymptomsCausesRelated ConditionsTreatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Signs and Symptoms
Causes
Related Conditions
Treatment
Although skin is incredibly flexible, it does reach a point where it can no longer stretch—or stretch fast enough—without causing tears and scarring, causing lines or streaks better known asstretch marks(striae distensae).
Stretch markscan occur in men, just as they do women. Men commonly notice them with rapid growth during puberty, substantial weight gain, and bodybuilding. Stretch marks can also be associated with chronic conditions like diabetes and scleroderma.
This article looks at why men get stretch marks, what they look like, and what can be done to reduce them.
Verywell / JR Bee
Stretch Mark Signs and Symptoms in Men
Stretch marks develop in men in the same way they develop in women. They appear when the underlying tissues grow faster than the skin can stretch.These changes take place in the middle layer of skin, called thedermis, which is responsible for retaining the overall shape of the skin.
The rapid stretching tears and visibly thins the dermis, which is what causeslinear striationson the upper layer of skin (epidermis).
The tear also causes tiny blood vessels in the skin to break, giving the stretch mark its characteristicpinkish or purplish hue.
When they first develop, stretch marks may cause aburning or itching sensation.Over time, the normal pigmentation of the skin may return, although the tissues themselves may appear slightly shiny.
While stretch marks aren’t harmful, they may be unpleasing and cause emotional distress.
Tanning tends to enhance rather than diminish the appearance of stretch marks.
What Causes Stretch Marks in Men?
While the causes of stretch marks in men are not all that different than in women, they’re primarily associated with three physiological conditions:
How Anabolic Steroids and Corticosteroids Differ
Some men may be more predisposed to stretch marks than others. This is especially true in men with health conditions that cause theoverproduction of hormonesknown ascorticosteroids.
Among their many functions, corticosteroids regulate the production of certain skin cells:keratinocytesin the epidermis and fibroblasts in the dermis.
Fibroblasts are especially important, as they produce collagen that the body uses to keep the skin supple. If there’s an overproduction of corticosteroid, lesscollagenis produced and the skin is less able to flex.
Corticosteroid overproduction is often associated with disorders of the adrenal glands, including:
Corticorticosteroid drugs are used to treat a wide range of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. They can lead to a loss of collagen and an increased risk of stretch marks. Eventopical corticosteroids, if overused, can cause a thinning of the skin.
Stretch marks can have a profound effect on a person’s self-confidence, particularly if they are extensive or severe.
Toget rid of stretch marks, many people resort to products that claim to prevent and/or reduce the appearance of them. To date, though, there’s little clinical evidence to support these claims.
Even so, some over-the-counter and natural products that are believed to work better than no treatment at all.
Red Stretch Marks: Everything You Need to Know
Topical Tretinoin Cream
A small randomized study conducted in 2014 suggested that a 0.05% tretinoin cream may lessen the appearance of new stretch marks but not long-established scars.
This medication is also widely used to treat acne.
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Centella Asiatica
Also known asGotu Kola,Centella asiaticais a perennial herb that’s used topically to prevent stretch marks.
Some older studies suggested it was more effective than a placebo (56% versus 34%). However, these studies are considered poorly designed and didn’t explore other possible explanations for the results.
Benefits vs. Risks of Taking Gotu Kola Supplements
Microdermabrasion and Laser Treatments
A small study conducted in 2016 suggested that these procedures worked better than topical tretinoin creams.
Can a Laser Really Get Rid of My Stretch Marks?
Summary
Stretch marks happen when the tissue under the skin grows faster than the skin itself. This can cause thinning and tears of the skin, which is what gives stretch marks their characteristic appearance.
In men, stretch marks most often happen because of rapid growth during puberty, weight gain, or increased muscle mass. Certain medical conditions can also predispose you to getting stretch marks.
There isn’t much evidence that commercially available products will help improve the appearance of stretch marks. However, some treatments like topical tretinoin and laser treatments may help.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology.Stretch marks: why they appear and how to get rid of them.Farahnik B, Park K, Kroumpouzos G, Murase J.Striae gravidarum: Risk factors, prevention, and management.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2017;3(2):77-85. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2016.11.001Wollina U, Goldman A.Management of stretch marks (with a focus on striae rubrae).J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2017;10(3):124-129. doi:10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_118_17Hexsel D, Soirefmann M, Porto MD, Schilling-souza J, Siega C, Dal’forno T.Superficial dermabrasion versus topical tretinoin on early striae distensae: a randomized, pilot study.Dermatol Surg. 2014;40(5):537-44. doi:10.1111/dsu.12460Ud-din S, Mcgeorge D, Bayat A.Topical management of striae distensae (stretch marks): prevention and therapy of striae rubrae and albae.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2016;30(2):211-22. doi:10.1111/jdv.13223Karia UK, Padhiar BB, Shah BJ.Evaluation of various therapeutic measures in striae rubra.J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2016;9(2):101-5. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.184056
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology.Stretch marks: why they appear and how to get rid of them.Farahnik B, Park K, Kroumpouzos G, Murase J.Striae gravidarum: Risk factors, prevention, and management.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2017;3(2):77-85. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2016.11.001Wollina U, Goldman A.Management of stretch marks (with a focus on striae rubrae).J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2017;10(3):124-129. doi:10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_118_17Hexsel D, Soirefmann M, Porto MD, Schilling-souza J, Siega C, Dal’forno T.Superficial dermabrasion versus topical tretinoin on early striae distensae: a randomized, pilot study.Dermatol Surg. 2014;40(5):537-44. doi:10.1111/dsu.12460Ud-din S, Mcgeorge D, Bayat A.Topical management of striae distensae (stretch marks): prevention and therapy of striae rubrae and albae.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2016;30(2):211-22. doi:10.1111/jdv.13223Karia UK, Padhiar BB, Shah BJ.Evaluation of various therapeutic measures in striae rubra.J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2016;9(2):101-5. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.184056
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Dermatology.Stretch marks: why they appear and how to get rid of them.Farahnik B, Park K, Kroumpouzos G, Murase J.Striae gravidarum: Risk factors, prevention, and management.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2017;3(2):77-85. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2016.11.001Wollina U, Goldman A.Management of stretch marks (with a focus on striae rubrae).J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2017;10(3):124-129. doi:10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_118_17Hexsel D, Soirefmann M, Porto MD, Schilling-souza J, Siega C, Dal’forno T.Superficial dermabrasion versus topical tretinoin on early striae distensae: a randomized, pilot study.Dermatol Surg. 2014;40(5):537-44. doi:10.1111/dsu.12460Ud-din S, Mcgeorge D, Bayat A.Topical management of striae distensae (stretch marks): prevention and therapy of striae rubrae and albae.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2016;30(2):211-22. doi:10.1111/jdv.13223Karia UK, Padhiar BB, Shah BJ.Evaluation of various therapeutic measures in striae rubra.J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2016;9(2):101-5. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.184056
American Academy of Dermatology.Stretch marks: why they appear and how to get rid of them.
Farahnik B, Park K, Kroumpouzos G, Murase J.Striae gravidarum: Risk factors, prevention, and management.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2017;3(2):77-85. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2016.11.001
Wollina U, Goldman A.Management of stretch marks (with a focus on striae rubrae).J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2017;10(3):124-129. doi:10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_118_17
Hexsel D, Soirefmann M, Porto MD, Schilling-souza J, Siega C, Dal’forno T.Superficial dermabrasion versus topical tretinoin on early striae distensae: a randomized, pilot study.Dermatol Surg. 2014;40(5):537-44. doi:10.1111/dsu.12460
Ud-din S, Mcgeorge D, Bayat A.Topical management of striae distensae (stretch marks): prevention and therapy of striae rubrae and albae.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2016;30(2):211-22. doi:10.1111/jdv.13223
Karia UK, Padhiar BB, Shah BJ.Evaluation of various therapeutic measures in striae rubra.J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2016;9(2):101-5. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.184056
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