Should stretch marks hurt?

[Cherie]

My stretch marks are absolutely agonising. They aren't just flat, pink/purpley stripes on my belly, although they were to start with. They are thick, ropey, raised red and inflamed ... and so sore to touch - like bad sunburn. All of my clothes sitting on them cause more pain, and even the seams at the bottom of my singlets are causing horizontal gouge marks across my stretch marks, because the skin is so sensitive.

Help! What can I do to make them feel better?
Cool compresses (e.g. damp facecloth) help temporarily, but nothing seems to work longer term.