Stretch marks on legs and arms
Limb stretch marks are linear dermal changes that often appear during puberty, pregnancy, rapid weight change or muscle growth. Early marks may be red, purple or brown and later become paler and slightly indented.
What you may notice
- Parallel lines on thighs, upper arms or calves
- Red, purple, pink or brown early colour
- Pale or silvery mature lines
- Mild itch during development
Why it can happen
Rapid tissue expansion and hormonal effects alter collagen and elastic fibres. Genetics affects susceptibility. Bodybuilding, puberty, weight change and corticosteroid exposure are recognised contributors.
What may help
Marks commonly fade. Moisturisers ease itch but do not reliably prevent them. Selected topical medicines may help early striae but have pregnancy restrictions. Fractional or vascular laser and microneedling may improve colour or texture, but evidence is mixed and pigment change is possible.
When to consult
Seek medical advice for sudden extensive marks without an obvious cause, especially with weakness, bruising or steroid exposure. Cosmetic treatment offers partial improvement.
Evidence and sources
- National Health Service. Stretch marks [Internet]. London: National Health Service; 2023 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stretch-marks/ (new tab)
- DermNet. Stretch marks (striae) [Internet]. Auckland: DermNet; 2003 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/stretch-marks-striae (new tab)
- Zhu CK, Mija LA, Koulmi K, et al. A systematic review on treatment outcomes of striae. Dermatol Surg. 2024;50(6):546-552. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000004151. (new tab)