Do Stretch Marks Itch? Here's What to Do
Do stretch marks itch or is it a cause for concern? Stretch marks are the white and red lines that appear on your butt, thighs, stomach, or anywhere skin might stretch. If you’ve been googling “Why are my stretch marks itchy?” you’re in the right place.
We’ve created a guide to answer questions like “Are stretch marks itchy?” and what you can do to beat the itch. Here’s everything you should know about itchy stretch marks.
Do Stretch Marks Itch?
Yes, stretch marks can sometimes itch. Itching is a common symptom associated with the development of stretch marks. When the skin stretches rapidly, as is often the case during pregnancy, growth spurts, or rapid weight gain, it can lead to the formation of stretch marks. The stretching of the skin causes the underlying tissue to tear, which can result in itching.
Especially when stretch marks are new and still in the inflammatory phase, some people may experience itching. The itching is often a result of the skin becoming stretched and dry. Because they’re a type of scarring, collagen changes occur which can also cause itchiness.
According to dermatologists, active stretch marks itch more because the skin is thinner in that area.
“Because a stretch mark is thin, it feels softer, and therefore it has less support,” explains dermatologist Ellen Marmur, MD. “The nerve effectors aren’t supported by collagen, so they’re more sensitive and are more prone to making you feel that itch.”
Why are Stretch Marks Itchy?
As for what causes itchy stretch marks the derms say it’s down to the stretching of your skin that causes tearing at the dermis to which your nerves respond by creating an itching sensation. This also explains why stretch marks itch after weight loss.
When you gain weight in a short period of time, your skin has to compensate for the sudden growth and this can lead to itchy stretch marks. This weight gain may be attributed to pregnancy or medical conditions.
This tearing of the dermis is a key factor in the formation of stretch marks. The skin’s elastic fibers can be disrupted during this process, and the body responds with an inflammatory reaction to repair and remodel the damaged tissue. It’s this inflammatory response that may contribute to the itching sensation associated with stretch marks.
Moreover, the itching may persist even after the initial period of skin stretching, which is why stretch marks itch even after weight loss. When weight is gained rapidly, the skin expands to accommodate the increased volume. Subsequently, during weight loss, as the skin contracts, it can still lead to sensations of itching.
Do stretch marks itch for everyone? Not everyone will experience itchy stretch marks. However, if you are experiencing itchiness, you should know that it’s common and nothing to worry about.
How to Treat Itchy Stretch Marks
Wondering what to do about itchy stretch marks? Luckily, there are a few ways to manage your symptoms and alleviate the itch. The best way is to apply moisturizing skincare products like creams and lotions to hydrate the skin and quell inflammation. Here are some of our top picks.
1: Truly’s Coco Cloud After Shave Serum
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Cool the itch with Coco Cloud! This precious formula of coconut milk and vitamin E instantly soothes red, inflamed skin while soothing itchiness. While coconut hydrates and soothes, vitamin E conditions the skin for improved texture. Incredibly lightweight, this serum melts into skin for long-lasting smoothness and itch relief.
2: Truly’s Unicorn Fruit Whipped Body Butter
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The iconic whipped body butter with a cult-following on TikTok. Unicorn Fruit Whipped Body Butter contains a base of shea butter, a nutrient-rich emollient that creates a protective barrier on the skin to ward off irritation and itchiness. It’s also formulated with soothing matcha and antioxidant-rich acai to plump and protect the skin while alleviating itchy stretch marks. With a sumptuous, cotton candy scent!
3: Truly’s Dulce De Leches Cream
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What’s the best cream for itchy stretch marks? That would have to be Dulce De Leches Cream. Its base of cocoa butter helps keep your skin hydrated while easing itchiness. Meanwhile, coconut milk and hyaluronic offer additional hydration and nourishment to the skin. Even more exciting, this cream doesn’t just treat stretch marks that itch. It can also improve the appearance of stretch marks thanks to collagen-boosting retinol and plumping hyaluronic acid.
4: Truly’s Cooka Oil
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A quick cure for itchy stretch marks? This lightweight antimicrobial oil that softens skin while relieving dryness and itchiness. A boost of natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as tea tree and lavender oil work in tandem to soothe the most sensitive skin. While it’s designed for post-shave irritation, Cooka combats stretch mark itching in a flash.
How to Prevent Itchy Stretch Marks
You can help prevent stretch marks from itching by moisturizing the affected skin every day using a hydrating body lotion, cream, or butter. Drinking plenty of water every day can also help to reduce itchiness by keeping skin hydrated.
Do stretch marks itch when you lose weight or gain weight? Yes to both. For that reason, try to follow a healthy diet to prevent weight fluctuations. Of course, you won’t always have control over this but following a healthy diet and doing plenty of exercise can help prevent itchiness and stretch mark formation.
Just as stretch marks become less visible over time, especially with topical treatments, you’ll also likely see a decline in the itchiness within a few weeks. That being said, if you slather your stretch marks in a soothing moisturizer, you should see the back of itchiness within minutes. If your stretch marks continue to itch, see your doctor for advice.
Do stretch marks itch? Yes, stretch marks can itch and there’s nothing to worry about in most cases. Keep the area well hydrated to keep dryness and itchiness at bay.
Watch our tutorial on how to fade stubborn stretch marks:
Photo by Karolina Grabowska, Pexels
