Striae (Stretch Marks)
Striae Distensae
Striae are colloquially known as stretch marks, and suggest either previous distension of the abdomen or weakness of the abdominal skin.
Look For
- Band-like skin defects over langer's lines on the abdomen, breasts, buttocks, hips and/or thighs.
Interpretation
- Erythematous - acute
- Purple - resolving
- Skin-coloured - healed
Causes of Striae Distensae
- Distension - ascites, rapid weight gain
- Striae gravidarum - current / past pregnancy
- Topical or systemic steroids
- Cushing syndrome
- Connective tissue disorders - Marfan, Ehlers-Danlos
- Drugs - chemotherapy, tuberculosis medications, antiretrovirals, contraceptives
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