Striae, also known as stretch marks, are linear, atrophic, reddish-purple lesions that develop due to the stretching of the skin. They typically appear in areas of the body that experience rapid stretching, such as the abdomen, breasts, upper arms, and thighs. Over time, the color of the lesions fades and they become more silvery in appearance. Striae can be caused by pregnancy, rapid weight gain, puberty, and certain medical conditions. Treatment options include topical creams, laser therapy, and microdermabrasion.