Stretch Marks? {BOYS AND GIRLS}

[robot2626]

Hey, Im 14 and i'm a male.
I have had stretch marks since about fourth grade and now i'm a freshman in high school. I got these because I gained ALOT of weight when I was about 3rd - 4th grade after dealing with my parent's divorce I just started eating a lot (not sure why) and my sports stopped because I was so depressed. So I had no exercise and i gained a ton of weight. Now I have these scars on my stomach and sides showing them. Every time i look at them now It reminds me of the divorce and everything i went through and I just want them gone! It's very embarrassing changing for gym and having people point, stare, and ask why it looks like i've been attacked. I've been asked twice now and Its just getting worse on me. Im so embarrassed and i have a very low self esteem. I was wondering if anyone has the same issues as me and if you treated them in any way. I've tried a coco butter cream and i've lost most of the weight since then. (like a lot haha). I just want them gone before someone sees them, like my gym coach, and knows what they actually are and tells everyone. I just made up an excuse saying my cat scratched my stomach and sides when I was a kid and they scared. I can't keep it running for any longer. I know people say coco butter works and some say they never go away but i'm not sure what to believe. I at least want them to fade!

So yeah, does anyone else have them? BOYS AND GIRLS PLEASE.
Thanks

[alex99Ro]

I had them too because of gaining weight for some years.Now I lost many of the surplus :D and those things started to dissapear.I think they are from losing and gaining weight very fast.They will go away in time

[shadynorm333]

So I have had a similar issue, not at all holding the same emotional magnitude as yours, but I think the way to deal with it is similar. I have had chronic cystic acne on my back for the last three years, and it tends to be the worst during winter which means during school. Changing for gym and taking showers was hard at first- I'm sure people noticed, and made subtle judgments about something ludicrous like my hygiene or something, so it just increased my paranoia. But I found that by simply going up and telling people ("if you haven't noticed...etc.) first, you break the ice and don't have to worry about speculation. And I'm sure people would respect you if you simply explain that you were really heavy at a point- it's commendable to be able to say that. Sorry for rambling, but basically what I'm saying is that you should have no reason to feel ashamed or embarrassed, but because you are (and that's perfectly normal), break the ice.

[ska8er]

its hard when u r uncomfortable in the locker room an showers with marks on ur body. u feel self consious. other guys r self consious too. stuff is on my mind. i live with it. if somebody points to ur marks just tell them why they got there.

[Cook my Sock]

I have stretch marks on my knees and thighs they dont bother me though

[Ballboy]

Hey, sorry to hear this. I've always been skinny and don't like my body much, but I guess I'm lucky really.

[Lost in the Echo]

P101 :arrow: VT General Hospital
This is more relevant there. :)

[xXl0sth0peXx]

So I have had a similar issue, not at all holding the same emotional magnitude as yours, but I think the way to deal with it is similar. I have had chronic cystic acne on my back for the last three years, and it tends to be the worst during winter which means during school. Changing for gym and taking showers was hard at first- I'm sure people noticed, and made subtle judgments about something ludicrous like my hygiene or something, so it just increased my paranoia. But I found that by simply going up and telling people ("if you haven't noticed...etc.) first, you break the ice and don't have to worry about speculation. And I'm sure people would respect you if you simply explain that you were really heavy at a point- it's commendable to be able to say that. Sorry for rambling, but basically what I'm saying is that you should have no reason to feel ashamed or embarrassed, but because you are (and that's perfectly normal), break the ice.

To be honest, I think this guy said one of the best things that could have been said. It's so hard to do so, but why lie to people over stretch marks? You would be extremely how many people have them, and just aren't necessarily as visible as yours. The fact that you've overcome the issue is another reason not to be ashamed - you had a bad time and then you fixed yourself up. And that's good.

I'm not saying go up to people and say look at these, but if someone asks, why lie? They won't make fun of you if they're any type of human, and as I said, more people have them than you think.

Best of luck x

[1_21Guns]

bio oil may help more than coco butter but I'm not sure, I have stretch marks on my thighs and I have no idea why but they do fade in time, they're perfectly natural things and it's nothing to be ashamed of.

[TheBigUnit]

stretch marks are actual tears in the skin, itll take time to heal

[wozemonkey]

i have the same issue about the streach lines but mine are going away

[James Bond]

Other than laser treatment, nothing will remove stretch marks. But certain lotions and oils can speed up the process of a stretch mark, but even with those it can take 6 months to a year, or even years.

[MartyG]

Hi Robo....

You know.....you're 14 so I guess you're a frosh in HS. Changing in front of everyone can be challenging for everyone at first.....and in addition to the anxiety of showing your privates to your whole class.....you've got stretch marks too.

So; I understand. It's no fun.

It makes me most sad that they remind you of the hard times when your parents split. I'm really sorry man; it's obvious that it was really really hard for you.

You got through it; eh? Are you OK now? Maybe this is about more than stretch marks in PE? There are good people here; you can talk about it if you want.

Otherwise.....just as you got through all that hell....you will get through this. Like others have said.....talk about it honestly. Explain what they are and why they are there if anyone asks. It's nothing to be ashamed of.

You're OK.

I think as time goes on.....the interest in them by others will wane....and your anxiety over others seeing you without clothes on will lessen as well.

But; talk to us. That's what this place is for.

Marty

[Vocabulous]

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[Throwaway24]

I have them on my back arm neck and foot. They will go in time