Brief Overview About Striae Distensae

Abstract

Background: Striae distensae (also known as stretch marks) appear as linear or fusiform lesions having variable length and width. Striae are asymptomatic but may cause itching and burning sensation. Striae distensae causes frequent dermatological consultations. Although SD is considered an aesthetic complaint, it can have important psychosocial consequences. Four distinct types were identified by High-resolution epiluminescence colorimetric assessment of SD:  striae albae (white), striae rubrae (red), striae caeruleae (blue) and striae nigrae (black) Melanocyte mechanobiology seems to have a prominent effect on the various colors of striae in a direct and indirect way. Striae histopathologically, are characterized by a thin, flattened epidermis with blunted rete ridges. The dermis also is thinned, with a disturbance of its extracellular matrix. Collagen bundles are frayed or ruptured. Elastic fibers may be completely absent or if present are also damaged or ruptured. A universal approach to evaluate the severity of SD does not exist. Visual scoring and imaging modalities have been utilized in the literature. Different treatment modalities have been used for the treatment of SD, but non of them is a simple and definitive treatment. Striae distensa are frequently distressing to those affected and can cause significant cosmetic problem. It was suggested that time is the only treatment for SD and that it returns to normal over years, which is not true.