Stretch Marks in Teen Boys: Are They Normal?

By Wendy Wisner

Most of us affiliate stretch marks with women and girls—a minimum of I all the time have. I’ve a vivid reminiscence of discovering my first stretch marks once I was 11. I had stretch marks nearly all over the place, it appeared, together with my shoulders and knees.

However I’d been ready: My mother had advised me what they have been, and warned me they ran in our household.

20 years later, I used to be greeted with offended crimson stretch marks throughout my pregnant stomach. I didn’t love these being pregnant “battle scars,” however I anticipated them, and knew that they’d fade.

I believed I knew all there was to learn about stretch marks, however when a good friend confided in me not too long ago that her teen son had stretch marks up and down his again, round his hips and alongside the again of his arms, I used to be shocked. I knew that teen boys may get stretch marks, however I didn’t notice simply how intensive they could possibly be!

My good friend’s son had come to her anxious that he’d been bruised or damage not directly. Nobody had advised him what stretch marks have been, and my good friend felt unhealthy that she hadn’t ready him.

I’ve two boys, and I’ll admit that I didn’t even suppose to arrange them for stretch marks. However contemplating that stretch marks appear to run in my household, I noticed I higher be taught all I can about stretch marks in teen boys.

I linked with two pediatricians and a dermatologist to reply my questions on stretch marks and boys and to demystify the subject for all of us dad and mom of stripling boys.

Are Stretch Marks Frequent in Teen Boys?

My assumption that stretch marks are principally a “lady downside” has a sliver of fact. In response to Dr. Daniel Ganjian, a pediatrician at Windfall Saint John’s Well being Heart in Santa Monica, CA, teen women get stretch marks about 70 p.c of the time, whereas teen boys get them about 40 p.c of the time.

So sure, they’re extra frequent in women, however many boys get them too!

Dr. Erum N. Ilyas, a board licensed dermatologist, says that he steadily sees stretch marks in teen boys, particularly throughout puberty. Nonetheless, Dr. Ilyas explains, the way in which that stretch marks current in boys is commonly totally different than in women.

“In boys, I routinely discover stretch marks alongside the decrease again and flanks with will increase in vertical top at a quick price,” he says.

Dr. Erica H. Kates, a pediatrician at Holyoke Pediatric Associates in Massachusetts, sees stretch marks in each her female and male sufferers.

In genetically male teenagers, stretch marks normally current as “horizontal stripes on the again,” she says, and correspond with fast intervals of progress. Women, then again, are inclined to have stretch marks seem in a number of areas of the physique, together with breasts, thighs, and hips.

Why Do Teen Boys Get Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks, that are also called “striae,” occur most frequently throughout progress spurts, breast progress, fast weight acquire, and body-building, says Dr. Ganjian.

Technically, says Dr. Ilyas, stretch marks are a type of scar tissue. “When the pores and skin expands sooner than it may sustain with, there’s initially an inflammatory response adopted by a therapeutic section,” he explains.

Dr. Kates says that stretch marks normally correspond with occasions of very fast progress (reminiscent of puberty) or throughout occasions of fast weight acquire. However this isn’t all the time the case, and genetics might play a task in how simply your physique will generate stretch marks in occasions of progress.

“Some individuals are genetically extra susceptible to get stretch marks, and should get them even with a smaller progress or weight acquire,” Dr. Kates clarifies.

Dr. Ilyas explains that the rationale some teen boys get stretch marks and others don’t is predicated on each genetics and likewise how shortly their pores and skin expands. In different phrases, if stretch marks run in your loved ones, and your son has a fast progress spurt, you’re prone to see some stretch marks crop up. 

What Can You Do About Them?

Stretch marks can seem as deep pink or purple traces or may even appear to be cuts or bruises. Most likely crucial factor to recollect about stretch marks—in addition to the truth that they’re regular and innocent—is that they do fade in time.

“Stretch marks begin as reddish-purple traces, progress to white traces, after which usually fade over just a few years,” says Dr. Ganjian. He emphasizes that having stretch marks shouldn’t be a medical downside and also you don’t should do something about them.

If the looks of stretch marks bothers your teen, there are issues which may assist lower their look, together with utilizing moisturizers, retinoid lotions, and attempting laser remedy, says Dr. Ganjian. You must discuss to your little one’s pediatrician earlier than attempting any of this stuff.

Dr. Kates says that it may typically be tough to utterly eliminate stretch marks. However she advises that sunscreen can assist decrease their look. 

The way to Discuss to Your Son About Stretch Marks

Most likely the factor I’m anxious about most, ought to my sons get stretch marks, helps them navigate their feelings. Puberty is already a tough time: Having a bunch of deep purple traces abruptly seem on their pores and skin looks as if a probably anxiety-producing scenario.

The consultants I spoke to say that speaking to your teen son about stretch marks is a should. Reassuring them that these marks are regular and can fade in due time can assist as effectively. It’s additionally attainable to reframe the expertise as a constructive one.

You’ll be able to inform your son that the stretch marks are an indication of progress and one thing to be happy with, says Dr. Ganjian. “Allow them to know the way fortunate they’re to be rising quick,” he says.

“Rising quick comes with cool ‘skid marks’ that don’t trigger any issues or ache.”

You must also be certain that to examine your personal emotional reactions to what’s occurring, Dr. Ganjian reminds, as youngsters can feed off their very own dad and mom’ feelings. Be certain that your youngsters know that you simply really feel enthusiastic about what the stretch marks signify, and that there’s nothing shameful about their look.

That is unbelievable recommendation, and I hope to take it to coronary heart. I do know from private expertise how beneficial it’s to be ready in the case of stretch marks, and the way reassuring it’s to know that what is going on is regular, momentary, and possibly even one thing to have a good time.