Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are narrow, streak-like lines that can develop on the surface of the skin. They are also sometimes known as stria or striae. Stretch marks are often red or purple at first, before gradually fading to a silvery-white colour. They are usually 1-10mm wide and are a few centimetres long. The structure of the skin The skin is made up of three main layers: The epidermis is the outer layer of skin. It forms a protective barrier for the inside of the body and is made up of layers of flat cells. The dermis is the strong, supportive middle layer of skin that gives the skin its firmness and flexibility. The subcutis, also sometimes known as the hypodermis, is the inner layer of skin that consists of fat and connective tissue. Stretch marks occur in the middle layer of skin (the dermis) when the skin is stretched considerably over a short period of time. The rapid stretching causes the dermis to break in places and allow the deeper layers of the skin to show through, forming stretch marks.