Striae

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Stria

Striae in the popliteal fossa

Striae on the leg

Striae atrophica; Stretch marks; Striae distensae

There is no specific care for stretch marks. Advertised creams and salves to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy are of little value. However, the marks often will disappear after the cause of the skin stretching is gone. Avoiding rapid weight gain helps in the case of stretch marks caused by obesity.

If striae or stretch marks appear without obvious cause such as pregnancy or rapid weight gain, call your health care provider.

You health care provider will take a medical history and complete a physical examination. If the striae are not caused by normal physical changes, further studies may be ordered.

Medical history questions documenting striae in detail may include:

• Is this the first time that you have developed striae?
• When did you first notice this?
• What medications have you used?
• Have you used a topical cortisone medication?
• What other symptoms are also present?

Review Date: 07/22/2005
Reviewed By: Jonathan Kantor, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.