All Topics

Red stretch marks (symptomatic stretch marks)

Definition: Acute stage skin striae (striae rubrae) characterised by red or purple lesions that can be symptomatic, thus causing pain or itching. They are most commonly observed on the stomach, buttocks, thighs, breasts, hips, and upper arms.

Internal and external causes: The stretching or even breaking of elastic fibres that make up the dermis during a growth spurt in adolescence, during pregnancy, after significant weight loss or in the case of rapid and significant weight gain (obesity), long-term systemic or topical use of steroids, diabetes, Marfan syndrome (a rare genetic disease), and Cushing's syndrome (high levels of cortisol).

How to reduce or eliminate: A study has demonstrated the effectiveness of tretinoin (retinoic acid), a member of the retinoid family, in improving the appearance of erythematous (red) stretch marks when applied topically. However, its use is contraindicated during pregnancy.

Preventative steps to take: During high-risk periods such as pregnancy, massage yourself daily for 15 minutes with a moisturising product containing hyaluronic acid, Centella asiatica, or bitter almond oil on the affected areas to maintain skin elasticity.

Related articles: Vergetures rouges (vergetures symptomatiques).