Why Do My Stretch Marks Hurt?
Health ConditionsSkin Conditions

Stretch Marks That Hurt

Stretch Marks That Hurt
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Updated on August 29, 2025
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Just like a rubber band, your skin is designed to stretch and snap back. When your skin stretches too much or too quickly, it can result in scar tissue known as stretch marks. Although typically harmless, these red, purple, reddish-brown, or brown marks can sometimes cause itchiness and discomfort.

Significance

Stretch marks occur due to skin changes that result in growth.

Pregnancy, rapid changes in weight, or a growth spurt can make the skin extend too quickly, causing tears in the skin known as stretch marks.

Overuse of topical corticosteroid creams or oral pills, such as prednisone, also can contribute to stretch marks.

Because stretch marks are the result of breaks in your skin’s connective tissue, they can cause pain or discomfort. They may also feel itchy as your body responds to these changes.

Prevention

While you may not be able to entirely prevent stretch marks from occurring, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk:

  • Avoid rapid changes in weight.
  • Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.
  • Eat a diet rich in nutrients, particularly vitamins C and E.

Treatment

Because stretch marks are caused by skin tears, avoiding anything that may cause more damage to your skin can help reduce irritation while they heal. This includes scratching or picking.

Stretch marks typically don’t require treatment and may fade over time. While many products like lotions and creams claim to help treat stretch marks, there isn’t strong evidence to support these remedies.

Expert Insight

Melvin L. Elson, MD, a dermatologist and researcher in Nashville, recommends using a retinoid cream like tretinoin to treat stretch marks. However, retinoids may only help improve the appearance of stretch marks that are less than a few months old.

“The best time to use tretinoin is when the stretch marks are new — when they are pink and a little painful,” Dr. Elson says. “If you wait until the marks become white, this type of treatment may be less effective.”

Concerns

Less commonly, stretch marks, typically over the abdomen, can be a sign of an endocrine disorder, like Cushing syndrome.

 (Other signs of Cushing may include weight gain, fragile skin that bruises easily, and muscle weakness.

) Consult your doctor if you experience stretch marks that aren’t due to pregnancy or weight or hormone changes.

The Takeaway

  • Stretch marks develop when the skin is stretched and results in tears. Common causes include pregnancy, rapid weight changes, and hormone changes.
  • While they don’t usually require treatment, stretch marks can sometimes cause mild pain or irritation. Topical retinol creams like tretinoin may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, when applied early. Avoiding picking or scratching stretch marks can help reduce further irritation.
  • Talk with your doctor if you are concerned about stretch marks. In rare cases, they can be caused by endocrine disorders like Cushing syndrome.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Mikes BA et al. Striae Distensae. StatPearls. May 19, 2025.
  2. Stretch Marks. Cleveland Clinic. May 4, 2022.
  3. Stretch Marks. Mayo Clinic. January 12, 2023.
  4. Cushing Syndrome. Cleveland Clinic.
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Jane Yoo

Jane Yoo, MD, MPP

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Dr. Jane Yoo is an internationally recognized Korean American dual board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon practicing in New York City. She graduated with a bachelo...

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Rachel Nall, DNP, CRNA, is a medical writer with more than two decades of experience. Her credits include Mayo Clinic, Self magazine, and Well+Good. She also works as a certified r...

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