M.B.
I tried Strivectin (sp?) on my belly and at first thought it was making a big difference, but when I ran out they still show. I just use a good lotion now--something with cocoa butter and/or vitamin E is good--to minimize the appearance. Something like Palmer's cream can make the skin look plumper--but it usually helps more to prevent them than to treat. Also, I've heard that Retin-A lotions can help.
I have them on my upper hips from when I got my "womanly" figure in jr. high and they are now flesh colored and shiny, like a scar. It's better than bright purple, but still visable.
If you find a cure--please let the rest of us know! I've heard there is a new laser than can make them look much better, but don't know much about it.