Why are there marks on my back

Stretch marks are very common and can appear anywhere on the body, including the back. They can develop when the skin overstretches, which may occur during growth spurts, pregnancy, or rapid weight changes. A person with a family history of stretch marks may have a higher chance of developing them. Although stretch marks are permanent, they usually fade over time.

Certain treatments may improve the appearance of stretch marks. However, many of these treatments require further scientific study to confirm their effectiveness. Anyone who is concerned about stretch marks on their back or any other area of their body should consult a doctor or dermatologist for further advice.

Stretch marks occur when a person's skin stretches too quickly, which can be due to puberty, pregnancy or weight gain. They can appear anywhere on the…. The thighs are a common area for stretch marks to appear, especially in females. Learn about the types, causes, and treatment of stretch marks on…. White stretch marks are older stretch marks that have faded over time.

Learn about why they occur and the possible treatment options in this article. When the breasts change shape, for example during pregnancy, stretch marks can appear. How can people remove stretch marks? Find out about some of the…. Different skin types require different skin care products. Read on to learn more about the best skin care products for each skin type. How to improve the appearance of stretch marks on the back. Definition Appearance Causes Will they go away?

Treatment options When to see a doctor Summary Stretch marks are a type of scar that occurs when the skin stretches rapidly. What are stretch marks? Share on Pinterest Getty Images. What do they look and feel like? Will they go away? How to get rid of stretch marks on the back. When to see a doctor. Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes.

Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. Although the exact pathogenesis remains unknown, striae distensae of adolescence result from dermal breaks in connective tissue following physical stress and skin stretching. It is also thought that reduced levels of the genes encoding collagen and fibronectin result in a thinning of the connective tissue and atrophic appearing striae.

In general, treatment of striae distensae is not necessary in otherwise healthy adolescent males. Lesions often stop progressing at the end of pubertal growth spurts in healthy teenagers who have normal body surface area. Lesions also tend to pale in color and shrink once the growth spurt is complete. Thus, management typically begins with reassurance and patient education of the benign nature of the course. In patients with risk factors for striae distensae, such as obesity with high body mass index BMI , a healthy diet and exercise regimen is a good place to start for further management.

Although not a necessity in adolescent males with striae likely to improve after puberty, patients interested in improving the cosmetic appearance of striae can opt for initial therapy with 0. Laser therapy, more specifically pulse-dye laser, has also been shown to work as initial therapy for inflammatory marks in the striae rubra stage. Of note, striae located on the lower back are commonly mistaken for bruises from child abuse, as mentioned in the differential diagnosis. Patients are often referred to social services due to this misdiagnosis.

This highlights the importance of raising awareness among providers regarding the appearance of these benign striae. This patient was diagnosed with striae distensae based on clinical and physical exam findings. No further lab workup was necessary. The patient felt that no further treatment was needed at this time. Striae gravidarum. Marks vary in color, ranging from red to purple and usually fading to white or flesh color over time. Some stretch marks will disappear altogether.

It is normal for teenagers to get some stretch marks. The marks occur when a person experiences a significant amount of growth or weight gain in a short period of time, such as during puberty.

Getting stretch marks does not necessarily mean a person is overweight. Thin people can get the marks too, especially when experiencing a rapid growth spurt.

Most people think that only girls get stretch marks.