50% to 90% of pregnant women experience stretch marks around their stomach in the latter part of their pregnancy. Teenagers often experience stretch marks during the puberty years due to growth spurts. Though stretch marks may fade over time, they will rarely, if ever, completely disappear. Weight lifters are also prone to stretch marks in their arms and shoulder areas as the muscles expand quickly in these areas stretching the skin and causing stretch marks.
Many people who experience stretch marks are self conscious about the appearance of their skin. Skin care providers offer a myriad of creams and treatments for stretch marks to help reduce their appearance.
While stretch marks do not look pretty, they are harmless and do fade over time. They do not require medical treatment if they are not bothersome. If they do bother you, treatment will only partially remove the stretch marks and cannot completely get rid of them.
