Stretch marks are irregular, linear scars that appear on your skin during pregnancy or quick weight gain periods. Their medical name is striae distensae, and they are actually scar tissue.

Stretch marks occur due to exaggerated stretching of the epidermis (the external layer of the skin) and the dermis, which is the layer of skin below that consists of connective tissue, blood vessels and collagen.

As the skin is stretched, the normal production of collagen is altered and stretch marks appear. In theory, they can appear anywhere on the body, but the main areas afflicted are places where the body fluctuates in size.

Pregnancy stretch marks use to appear on the hips, stomach, thighs, breasts and buttocks.

But if you believe it's only pregnancy, and being female, that puts you at risk of stretch marks, you're wrong. Body fat has a part to play in the development of stretch marks, so they can afflict anyone who gains weight quickly. Bodybuilders can also develop stretch marks, and young men can suffer them around the shoulder area if they have a bit of a growth spurt or have a bit of excess weight on their backs.

One thing many women ask is, are stretch marks hereditary?

Some connective tissue diseases make some persons prone to stretch marks, but they only afflict a very small percentage of the population.

As far as developing stretch marks as a result of pregnancy goes, if your mother developed them it doesn't necessarily mean you will. It is largely down to how much weight you gain during the pregnancy. Also, having kids close together doesn't elevate the chances.

Stretch marks commonly start out as reddish lines on the skin, which implies the stretch mark, or scar, is inflamed. If you do nothing to it, eventually the inflammatory response disappear and the scar fades in color to silver or white.

The bad news is that stretch marks never actually disappear. But there are several remedies for stretch marks you can try to improve their appearance.

One is a vascular laser, which is virtually painless and can reduce the color and texture of the marks in some people.

Skin care treatments include several over-the-counter solutions and oils, many of which can be applied to the skin in areas at risk during and after pregnancy, and prescription solutions made with retinoids and vitamin A can also be used post-pregnancy.

Diet can aid prevent stretch marks too. Consuming a balanced, healthy diet can really help. You won't have a massive increase in your weight during pregnancy, and an extra is that you won't have a lot of weight to lose after that.