Why Do Stretch Marks Itch?

Itchy Stretch Marks: What Are The Causes?

Before we answer the question, ‘Why do stretch marks itch?’ let’s talk more about their appearance and occurrence first.

You develop stretch marks when your skin stretches beyond its capacity, causing tears in the dermis (the second layer of skin right below the epidermis).

When the stretch marks are fresh and developing, they appear red, purple, or pinkish (depending on your skin tone). That’s when they itch.

Fresh stretch marks itch because the skin is thinner and has less collagen support. Moreover, dermal tear also harms the nerves and creates inflammation in the skin, which causes itching. Once the skin starts healing, the damaged nerves are stimulated, which causes the itching sensation.

Another factor that can contribute to itchiness in stretch marks is a decrease in elastin, which is a protein responsible for maintaining the skin’s elasticity. Elastin allows the skin to stretch and bounce back to its original shape. However, when the skin stretches excessively, it can cause a breakdown of elastin fibers, leading to decreased elasticity and potentially causing itching.

Also, if the skin around the stretch marks becomes dry, it may cause itching. In such cases, topical moisturizers can offer some relief. However, you have to be particularly careful when you develop itchy stretch marks on your abdomen during pregnancy.

Itchy Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

Stretch marks often develop during late pregnancy, when the baby is growing, and the skin on your abdomen stretches to accommodate the baby. Usually, you may develop stretch marks during the second trimester. Some may even notice them at the end of the third trimester.

During this time, the stretch marks or the skin around them may itch. This is because the skin starts healing itself.

Natalie, a graduate nurse and blogger, narrates her experience of combating itchy stretch marks after her pregnancy in one of her blog posts: “I used Benadryl (aka diphenhydramine) to help with the itching. Honestly, it did help a little but it wasn’t enough on its own (i).” She adds, “Ice packs helped to numb the area for immediate relief, but a nice cold shower worked just as well.”

However, some women may also develop a type of rash called the Pruritic Urticarial Papules And Plaques Of Pregnancy (PUPPP). This is the most common type of rashes that pregnant women develop during the third trimester of their pregnancy (almost at the same time as they develop stretch marks) (1).

PUPPP is an inflammatory skin condition, and if it develops on the stretch marks, it can add on to the itchiness and cause extreme discomfort. The doctor may prescribe topical corticosteroidsⁱ  XA class of anti-inflammatory medicine used to provide relief for asthma, allergies, and inflammatory bowel diseases. and oral antihistaminesⁱ  XA class of drugs that are commonly used to relieve symptoms of hives, conjunctivitis, hives, and insect bites. for treatment.

Hence, it is better to be on the safe side if you are pregnant and get your skin evaluated by a doctor in case you develop an itch.

If your itchiness is caused due to the developing stretch marks and the dryness around them, here are a few ways to control it.

How To Treat Itchy Stretch Marks

Keeping the area moisturized while stretch marks are developing is important. Moisturization not only helps fade them but also relieves itching by reducing dryness (2). Here are a few things you may try:

1. Cocoa Butter

There is a lack of evidence supporting the use of cocoa butter as an effective skin moisturizer. However, one small study suggests that cocoa butter can improve skin elasticity (3).

It is also widely used in cosmetic formulations, especially in moisturizing lotions, for its skin moisturizing abilities. You may try massaging the area with cocoa butter to keep the skin moisturized and prevent itching.

2. Coconut Oil

Virgin coconut oil is widely used in traditional medicine for healing several skin issues. It is an excellent moisturizer that helps to reduce inflammation by improving the transepidermal water loss and skin barrier function. It also helps to keep the skin hydrated and moisturized (4). This property may also help to fade the stretch marks.

3. Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E oil (the liquid squeezed from the softgels) is an extremely popular home remedy to keep the skin moisturized. However, there is no scientific proof of its moisturizing effects. Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant and can keep the skin healthy (5).

4. Olive Oil

Olive oil has been used in skin and hair products in several cultures and is an excellent remedy for treating inflammation. The phenolic content in olive oil exhibits anti-inflammatory activity, which may reduce oxidative damage and promote dermal reconstruction. This may help improve the skin barrier and accelerate tissue regeneration to help reduce the itch caused by stretch marks (6). A study conducted on 156 pregnant women found that applying olive oil twice a day may help reduce the severity and prevent the progression of stretch marks when used from the third trimester till the child’s birth (7).

In addition to the above-mentioned ingredients, you may also use almond and jojoba oils or moisturizing creams. Apply ice or use cold (refrigerated) calamine lotion to relieve itching.

You may also consult a dermatologist. They may suggest anti-itch ointments and topical creams or lotions to keep itching at bay. Here are some more tips that may help reduce itching on your stretch marks.

A Few Tips To Prevent Itchy Stretch Marks

1. Apply Moisturizers Frequently

It is crucial to keep your skin moisturized. You may layer both creams and moisturizers for intense hydration. Apply moisturizers at least thrice a day,  always on damp skin. This will help prevent dryness.

Quick Tip

You can use moisturizers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, cocoa, or shea butter to soothe and hydrate your skin and prevent stretch marks during pregnancy.

2. Go For Oil Massages

Massaging the stretch marks with oil can help reduce itchiness. It also helps improve elasticity and hydration levels of your skin. Oil massages during pregnancy not only keep the skin healthy and fade stretch marks but also help relieve pregnancy-related stress and anxiety.

However, always consult a doctor before massaging your abdomen. Also, be mindful of the pressure that is being applied.

Quick Tip

You can use sweet almond, sesame, or jojoba oil to massage your belly and keep the skin moisturized and healthy during pregnancy.

3. Use A Moisturizing Cleanser For Shower

Avoid soaps for bathing as they may make your skin dry. Use moisturizing body washes. This will help prevent the tightness or dryness of your skin. Also, use lukewarm water for showers.

4. Use Topical Ointments And Creams For Itchy Stretch Marks

If your doctor has recommended any anti-itch cream or ointment, make it a point to apply it regularly and as directed.

Usually, you get stretch marks:

• when you lose or gain weight rapidly
• during puberty
• if you are weight training for building muscle mass
• if you have a family history of stretch marks
• if you have certain medical conditions (like Marfan’s syndromeⁱ  XAn inherited or genetic disorder that affects the connective tissue in many parts of the body (heart, bones, eyes, and blood vessels). , Cushing syndromeⁱ  XA hormonal disorder that occurs when the body makes too much cortisol (the body’s main stress hormone). , and Ehlers-Danlos syndromeⁱ  XA group of genetic connective-tissue disorders that mostly affects the skin, blood vessels, and joints. ).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does itching make stretch marks worse?

Scratching the itching area may make the stretch marks worse. The stretch marks may deepen and leave behind scars.

Does an itchy belly signify stretch marks?

An itchy belly does not necessarily signify stretch marks. However, you may start your stretch mark prevention routine if your belly starts itching. Also, pregnant people often experience an itchy belly when the skin starts adapting to the growing baby inside.

How to prevent stretch marks?

Maintaining a balanced diet and a healthy weight, staying physically active, drinking plenty of water, keeping the skin well-moisturized, and using sunscreen daily can keep the skin healthy and reduce the risk of stretch marks.

Is aloe vera good for itchy stretch marks?

Yes, aloe vera can help soothe itchy stretch marks. It contains anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties that may help reduce itchiness and inflammation associated with stretch marks. However, perform a patch test before using aloe vera and stop using it immediately if you experience any adverse reactions. Consult a dermatologist in case of severe itchiness or other issues.

How long does the itching associated with stretch marks last?

The duration of itching associated with stretch marks varies from person to person. In some cases, the itching may last only a few days or weeks, while it may persist for several months in others. Consult a dermatologist if the itching associated with stretch marks is severe or persists for an extended period.

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Dr. Swati MuthaMBBS, DDV

   

Dr. Swati Mutha is a clinical and aesthetic dermatologist with over 10 years of experience. She has done her fellowship in Pediatric Dermatology from Singapore. She is a part of the Indian Dermatologist Association(IADVL) and has presented several papers and given lectures at national dermatology conferences. She practices at Assure Clinic, Breach Candy, and is also a consultant at ACI...more

Ramona SinhaEditor

 

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal. She also did a certificate course in dermatology offered by the Novosibirsk State University...more

Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy. She has taken it upon herself to show...more

Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor

Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content. She loves reviewing skin care and hair care products and constantly endeavors to provide...more