Striae distensae (stretch marks) and different modalities of therapy: an update.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Striae distensea (SD; stretch marks) are a well-recognized, common skin condition that rarely causes any significant medical problems but are often a significant source of distress to those affected. The origins of SD are poorly understood, and a number of treatment modalities are available for their treatment, yet none of them is consistently effective, and no single therapy is considered to be pivotal for this problem. With a high incidence and unsatisfactory treatments, stretch marks remain an important target of research for an optimum consensus of treatment.

OBJECTIVE:

To identify the current treatment modalities and their effectiveness in the treatment of stretch marks.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Review of the recent literature regarding clinical treatment of stretch marks with emphasis on the safety and efficacy of the newer optical devices and laser applications.

RESULTS:

No current therapeutic option offers complete treatment, although there are a number of emerging new modalities that are encouraging.

CONCLUSION:

The therapeutic strategies are numerous, and no single modality has been far more consistent than the rest. The long-term future of treatment strategies is encouraging with the advance in laser technologies.

• Authors: Mohamed L Elsaie, Leslie S Baumann, Lotfy T Elsaaiee
• Journal: Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] (Dermatol Surg) Vol. 35 Issue 4 Pg. 563-73 (Apr 2009) ISSN: 1524-4725 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 19400881 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Atrophy
• Elastic Tissue (pathology)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Pregnancy
• Skin (pathology)
• Skin Diseases (therapy)