Striae gravidarum (SG, also called'
striae distensae') is a common condition observed in pregnancy to various extents.
We and other authors believe that physiological striae atrophicae of adolescence and
striae distensae (stretch marks) are separate disease entities [3,4,8].
Striae distensae, or stretch marks, are linear scars in the dermis which arise from rapid stretching of the skin over weakened connective tissue.
Striae distensae also are common in obese patients, typically affecting the breasts, buttocks, and thighs.
Known to doctors as
striae distensae, stretch marks may occur after weight loss or pregnancy (or even in weightlifters, particularly if they use steroids).
Results: Most common physiological skin changes were pigmentary (98%) followed by
striae distensae (76%), glandular changes (15.4%) and vascular (10%).
Gross distension of abdomen with adrenocortical activities are responsible for the red-blue depressed streaks seen on abdomen and breasts in 70-90% pregnancies, called
striae distensae. (5,14) These usually develop in the second trimester.
Striae distensae was seen in 70% of patients, but was seen as incidental findings in patients who presented with other skin disorders.
A significant higher percentage for diabetes mellitus (OR=2.455; p=0.028),
striae distensae (OR=2.279; p=0.044), and acanthosis nigricans (OR=3.857; p=0.001) was seen when patients of group CII and CI were compared; while acne was found to be more statistically significant in patients of group CI compared to group CII (OR=0.259; p=0.001).
Chronic Liver Disease can give rise to numerous extrahepatic disorders among which skin disease occupy a central place Jaundice, xerosis, pruritis, pigmentary changes, loss of pubic and axillary hairs, leuconychia, spider naevi, telangiectasias,
striae distensae with dilated veins on abdomen, palmar erythema all are recognized sequelae of liver disease (12, 14).