Signs
 
 

Striae (Stretch Marks)

 
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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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