It is thought that around 70% of women and 40% of men around the world are affected by striae distensae or ‘stretch marks’, correctly termed striae gravidarum if occurred as a result of pregnancy.1-3 But, what exactly are they and can they ever be successfully treated?
Striae distensae are dermal manifestations that appear as a result of abnormal and excessive stretching of skin, causing a distorted skin surface appearance that can be permanent.4 For many people, they can be well tolerated and accepted as a normal skin change that is a result of childbirth, ageing or being overweight. However, for many individuals, striae distensae can be a significant aesthetic problem and, at worse, may cause significant physical disfigurement.5 Striae distensae also have the potential to significantly affect an individual’s mental health and quality of life, including a loss of self-confidence, lowered self-esteem and difficulties with sexual relations.5,6
Research has suggested that the buttocks are the most common place for stretch marks to appear in women, with 86% affected at some point in their life.3,5 The abdomen is the next most common area on the body at…
