[STRIAE GRAVIDARUM - ETIOLOGY, PREVALENCE AND TREATMENT]

Abstract

Striae gravidarum is the second most prevalent skin manifestation after skin pigmentation during pregnancy. Its etiology is uncertain, but it is assumed that changes in the structure of collagen, mediated by hormonal changes during pregnancy, are the causative factor. These marks normally appear during the third trimester of pregnancy and disappear several months after delivery. Striae gravidarum have no adverse health implications though they have negative psychological effects on the affected gravid women. Several treatments for this coetaneous affliction have been tested but only skin rubbing of almond oil as well as extracts from the Centella tree have proved to be of limited therapeutic value. Nevertheless, it has been proven that the mere application of various creams for this coetaneous problem during pregnancy is effective in improving the feeling of the users.