Stretch Marks That Hurt

Significance
Pregnancy, rapid changes in weight, or a growth spurt can make the skin extend too quickly, causing tears in the skin known as stretch marks.
Overuse of topical corticosteroid creams or oral pills, such as prednisone, also can contribute to stretch marks.
Prevention
- Avoid rapid changes in weight.
- Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.
- Eat a diet rich in nutrients, particularly vitamins C and E.
Treatment
Because stretch marks are caused by skin tears, avoiding anything that may cause more damage to your skin can help reduce irritation while they heal. This includes scratching or picking.
Expert Insight
“The best time to use tretinoin is when the stretch marks are new — when they are pink and a little painful,” Dr. Elson says. “If you wait until the marks become white, this type of treatment may be less effective.”
Concerns
Consult your doctor if you experience stretch marks that aren’t due to pregnancy or weight or hormone changes.
The Takeaway
- Stretch marks develop when the skin is stretched and results in tears. Common causes include pregnancy, rapid weight changes, and hormone changes.
- While they don’t usually require treatment, stretch marks can sometimes cause mild pain or irritation. Topical retinol creams like tretinoin may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, when applied early. Avoiding picking or scratching stretch marks can help reduce further irritation.
- Talk with your doctor if you are concerned about stretch marks. In rare cases, they can be caused by endocrine disorders like Cushing syndrome.
- Mikes BA et al. Striae Distensae. StatPearls. May 19, 2025.
- Stretch Marks. Cleveland Clinic. May 4, 2022.
- Stretch Marks. Mayo Clinic. January 12, 2023.

Jane Yoo, MD, MPP
Medical Reviewer
Dr. Jane Yoo is an internationally recognized Korean American dual board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon practicing in New York City. She graduated with a bachelor of science in biology from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and obtained a master's degree in public policy from Harvard University.
Yoo completed her dermatology residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine followed by a Mohs Micrographic Surgery fellowship at Yale School of Medicine. She is the founder of the Clinical Research Center of New York and conducts clinical trials for numerous skincare, pharmaceutical, and energy-based device companies.
As a spokesperson for the Skin Cancer Foundation, she is a staunch advocate for skin cancer prevention and lobbying for better sunscreen regulation in the United States. She's also an Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star Finisher and is currently training for the Sydney Marathon.

Rachel Nall, RN
Author
Rachel Nall, RN, BSN, is a Tennessee-based critical care nurse and freelance writer. She is a 2005 honors program graduate from the University of Tennessee in Journalism and Political Science. Nall was selected as a “Torchbearer” at the University of Tennessee, which is the highest honor given to a university student recognizing academics, service and leadership. She began her writing career with the Associated Press in Brussels, Belgium. Her articles have appeared on Drugstore.com, Healthline.com, FabFitFun.com and Bundoo.com. After five years in the healthcare custom publishing world, Nall returned to the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga to pursue her nursing degree. At the School of Nursing, she was a research assistant for the Get Healthy Project, a federally funded grant providing health and wellness services to individuals with severe and persistent mental illnesses. Her graduating class selected her as the Mary B. Jackson award winner, the highest honor given to a senior nursing student for excellence in academics and character. Although she enjoys writing about a variety of topics, health care is her practice and passion. Nall is a full-time nurse at a 20-bed intensive care unit focusing primarily on cardiac care. She enjoys educating her patients and readers on how to live healthier and happier lives. Nall is actively involved in the University of Tennessee Alumni Association. She is a past local alumni chapter president, where she worked with board members to raise more than $10,000 to complete a $25,000 chapter scholarship endowment awarding a yearly scholarship to a local resident. She has also served on the University of Tennessee Alumni Association Board of Governors and the East Tennessee Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Board. She enjoys traveling, reading and reading while traveling. In true night shift nurse fashion, she also enjoys sleeping whenever possible.