Body questions / Growth
Are these stretch marks normal?
Fast growth can stretch the middle layer of skin faster than it adapts. The resulting lines may begin pink, purple, red, or dark and usually fade over time.
The 30-second answer
Stretch marks are common during growth spurts. They can appear without pregnancy, obesity, or anything being wrong with the body.
Common places
Boys and young men
Back, shoulders, upper arms, hips, thighs, buttocks, and knees.
Girls and young women
Breasts, hips, thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and upper arms.
Any body
The exact pattern depends on growth, genetics, hormones, and skin characteristics.
What they do not prove
- They do not prove rapid unhealthy weight gain.
- They are not scars from wrongdoing.
- They are not evidence that the body is finished growing.
- They do not make a body less clean or attractive.
When to ask a clinician
Routine question
Marks appear without obvious growth or weight change and you want reassurance.
Marks appear without obvious growth or weight change and you want reassurance.
Medication review
They appear rapidly while using steroid medicines or creams.
They appear rapidly while using steroid medicines or creams.
Other symptoms
Stretch marks occur with unusual weakness, easy bruising, or other major health changes.
Stretch marks occur with unusual weakness, easy bruising, or other major health changes.
Sources and limits: Stretch marks are associated with rapid growth and skin stretching. Most are cosmetic and fade. MedlinePlus skin changes · AAP puberty growth
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