Stretch marks on teenage boy

[WelshCerys]

Consultant examining DS, 16, today as very tight hamstrings problem (seeing physio), spotted a series of horizontal marks on DS' back. Said something about how these might be expected if someone had suddenly lost a lot of weight - not the case with DS.

Said he would write to GP - GP should examine. Was worried that 2 = 2 = 5 conclusion might be drawn... I haven't seen these marks before - neither (they are on his back) had DS. He told the consultant that he'd had some marks on a knee but that they've disappeared.

Googled and read about stretch marks following sudden growth spurts. This is exactly what has happened to DS - he really shot up very quickly. Went from quite short to one of the tallest in class, quite recently. We guess the tight hamstrings may also be a symptom (and sitting for far too long in front of the computer ... ).

Anyone experience of this? Read that coco butter cream applied might help - there are quite a lot, going up lower back. The indents worry me and I hope no scaring will ensue. Making app to see GP.

Thanks!

My DB had exactly the same thing(includinghamstrings) and aroused same suspicions:(

But that was in the early 1980's - I'm surprised that by now this isn't widely know in Med Prof - actually no I'm not surprised but it's a shame.

My DB big strapping 40+ year old now - and the stretch marks faded quite quickly (I'm told) without help - but if you can get him to use some moisturiser it can't hurt.:)

Seen them too!
Took DS to see GP when he was about 14/15 - not old enough to go in on his own,and I forget what it was for but when he took his top off I was in wide eyed horror as it looked as though he'd been mauled by a banshee! Horizontal red livid scratches, just like long nails would make!!! My first thought was 'doc will think hes been maltreated/abused/godknowswhat, ffs what do I do?????' Doc however saw may face I think and laughed and explained that they were stretch marks and related to growth spurts. DS's have faded and are not really visible unless you really know they are there.

I suppose in their way they're no different to the ones you can get on thighs in pregnancy.

If our GP is as normal as mine he/she will be really helpful. :)

Yes, had them here due to growth spurts. Agree you don't want 5 to be made. Some people's skin is just like this - both mine and dh's is the same so the dc are bound to have them. Show the GP yours.

DS1 told everyone he had been mauled by a tiger.

Yep, my DB has them. Were quite white when he was younger but colour difference has faded now. They are still sort of grooves across his back though. His teacher at school did think he'd been whipped as a child when he saw him fall over in the playground...! Obviously my DB had to play along with that for a gag fortunately the teacher believed him when he explained the reality.

Yes, DS2 had them when he had a huge growth spurt in his mid-teens. A few years on and they have faded a lot and don't look nearly as bad as they did at first. He has four or five quite long marks across his spine at spaced intervals.

Thank you, thank you, everyone. Yes, MeanMom, I was surprised when DH told me that the consultant could only think of weight loss (not so in DS' case) - and instantly said he'd refer to GP ...

And this is an ortho consultant - you'd think he'd have a shrewd idea as DS was there for a sudden growth related problem ... As DH said, probably wanted to 'cover himself'.

'Mauled by a tiger' .... like that one!

Your descriptions fit those of my DS - will go confidently to GP, in the meantime, keep the skin moisturised. Any suggestions re emollients?

Again, thanks for your replies.

My DH, Dniece and I have these type of stretchmarks.

I still can't really work out how I didn't get more during pregnancy TBH. I used BioOil throughout and guess it might have helped?

All four of mine have stretch marks from rapid growth, as does my brother who has really bad ones across his back... all are tall and slim..they just grew fast and suddenly.

It sucks but it is totally normal!

at this age, the long bones can grow more rapidly than the soft tissues

hence the stretch marks of the skin and niggly problems like tight hamstrings, Severs disease, Osgood Schlatters etc

an orth consultant would know that, so not sure why he had to put needless worries into your head

My DH has them across the bottom of his back, they are now the faintest white lines. He is incredibly tall though, which is what he thinks they have come from. He has never been overweight, so not connected to weightloss.

Your GP is scaremongering.

Sorry, read wrong, the physio is scaremongering.

wrong again

Oh, and Ive read Bio Oil is good for strechmarks

DH has quite pronounced stretch marks above and around his knees, from a teenaged growth spurt. If only he'd had BioOil back then! :)

I have a very upset DD14 crying as we speak about stretch marks. She is not over weight but has them on thighs , calves back and tummy, Feel so sad for her .

I don’t understand what 2 =2=5 means? Sorry if I’m daft just worrying because y son has also just suddenly got stretch marks and has been seen by physio for tight calf’s and hamstrings

@MeanMom what suspicion?

Does seem odd and more covering himself, but surely he would of mentioned growth spurt as an option if he had any sense. I would say do as they suggest for pregnancy. Coco butter to moisturise incase of more and Bio-Oil helps to moisturise but also takes away the redness, helps them look better