Striae distensae (SD), also known as stretch marks, are observable linear scars that appear where dermal damage has occurred as a result of prolonged stretching of the skin. The actual pathophysiology of SD is still up for debate because its origins are multifaceted. Generally, striae are benign lesions, but larger lesions may get traumatized and become ulcerated or rupture. In patients with edema and receiving systemic steroids, bullous SD could develop secondary to fluid buildup preferentially in striae. We report a case of a young patient with cardiomyopathy who received systemic steroids and developed bullous striae distensae.

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UNASSIGNED: The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of fractional CO2 laser and 1,550 nm Er: glass laser in the treatment for the patients with striae albae.
UNASSIGNED: The female adults with striae albae in the abdomen for at least 12 months were recruited. After informed consent obtained, the patient received three treatments at 2-month intervals. The lesions on the left abdomen were treated with 10,600 nm CO2 fractional laser and right side treated with 1,550 nm Er: glass fractional laser. The pictures were taken before each visit and 3 months after the final treatment. The criteria for the evaluations using a quartile grading scale were excellent (76-100%), good (51-75%), fair (26-50%), poor (1-25%), and no improvement (0%). The safety and efficacy of the two lasers were independently evaluated using before and after photographs by two dermatologists. In addition, the self-reports to investigate the pain and satisfaction from patients were also recorded.
UNASSIGNED: Totally, 27 cases were recruited, and 25 patients completed the treatments and follow-up. The excellent and good results (improvement of 51-100%) were achieved on the right abdomen in 84% of the patients, while 48% on the left site (p < 0.05). Hyper-pigmentation was seen in 20% of the patients assessed on the left abdomen and only in 8% on the right abdomen. During the treatments, average score of the pain on the right abdomen was 5.41 ± 2.13, which was higher than that on the left (4.19 ± 2.12) (p < 0.001). No permanent hyper-pigmentation was found on the both sides. Considering the whole treatments, the patients favored the modality used on the right side (80 vs. 68%, p < 0.05).
UNASSIGNED: Compared with CO2 fractional laser, 1,550 nm Er: glass fractional laser therapy provides the significantly better clinical outcomes and fewer side effects in the treatment of striae albae.
UNASSIGNED: The sample size and follow-up time were limited.

Stretch marks are one of the most common benign cutaneous lesions and encountered esthetic problems. Striae rubrae and striae albae can be differentiated on the basis of clinical appearance. Histologically, disturbances of the dermal fiber network and local expression of receptors for sexual steroids have been detected. The epidermal changes are secondary. Prevention of stretch marks using topical ointments and oils is debatable. Treatment of striae rubrae by lasers and light devices improves appearance. Microneedling and non-ablative and fractionated lasers have been used. This review provides an overview on current treatment options with a special focus on laser treatments.

BACKGROUND: Striae distensae (SD) are a type of dermal scarring that is quite common and difficult to treat. Two forms are known: striae rubrae (SR) and striae albae (SA).
OBJECTIVE: We compared the long-term clinical effectiveness of a 1550-nm non-ablative fractional laser (NAFL) in treating SR and SA.
METHODS: We included 16 female patients (8 with SR and 8 with SA) who had developed abdominal SD during pregnancy. All underwent five moderately high-energy sessions of 1550-nm NAFL treatment at 4-week intervals. The strial widths and lengths were measured before, and 1 month and 1 year after treatment.
RESULTS: The mean strial width decreased from 6.94 mm before treatment to 3.25 mm at the first follow-up visit (p = 3.95 × 10-5) and to 3.13 mm at the second follow-up visit (p = 2.44 × 10-5). Similarly, the mean strial length decreased from 6.06 to 2.88 cm at the first follow-up visit (p = 1.7 × 10-4) and to 2.75 cm at the second follow-up visit (p = 9.52 × 10-5).
CONCLUSIONS: NAFL treatment was effective long term in both SR and SA patients.

BACKGROUND: Needleless transcutaneous pneumatic injections (TPIs) are a minimally invasive way to deliver the solution into the skin for therapeutic purposes. The suggested action mechanisms of TPI therapy include mechanical stimulation, immediate tissue shrinkage and late wound healing.
METHODS: Thirteen Korean patients were treated with TPI for atrophic skin disorders, including acne scars, striae albae, post-furuncle, or carbuncle scars, and horizontal wrinkles with lipoatrophy. At each TPI treatment session, a single pass was made along with the atrophic skin lesions without overlapping. Thereafter, two dermatologists objectively evaluated the clinical improvement in the lesions in the photographs via the global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS).
RESULTS: One month after the final treatment, the overall mean GAIS score was 2.3 ± 0.8. Six of the 13 (46.2%) patients exhibited clinical improvement of grade 3, five (38.5%) patients grade 2 and two (15.4%) patients grade 1. The overall mean subjective satisfaction score with the TPI treatment was 2.3 ± 0.9. Six of the 13 (46.2%) patients achieved subjective satisfaction of grade 3, six (46.2%) patients grade 2 and one (7.7%) patient grade 0.
CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that the TPI treatment is effective and safe for treating atrophic skin disorders of varying causes in Korean patients.

BACKGROUND: Striae distensae are permanent dermal lesions that can cause significant psychosocial distress. A detailed understanding of the numerous treatment modalities available is essential to ensuring optimal patient outcomes.
OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to evaluate and summarize the different treatment methods for striae distensae by linking their proposed modes of action with the histopathogenesis of the condition to guide patient treatment.
METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed with no limits placed on publication date. Relevant studies were assigned a level of evidence by the authors.
RESULTS: Ninety-two articles were identified, with 74 being eligible for quality assessment. The majority of treatments aim to increase collagen production. The use of vascular lasers can reduce erythema in striae rubrae by targeting hemoglobin, whereas increasing melanin through methods such as ultraviolet light is a major focus for treatment of striae albae. Despite some topical treatments being widely used, uncertainty regarding their mode of action remains. No treatment has proved to be completely effective.
CONCLUSIONS: Limitations of the study include low-quality evidence, small sample sizes, and varying treatment protocols and outcome measures, along with concerns regarding publication bias.
CONCLUSIONS: Further randomized, controlled trials are needed before definitive conclusions and recommendations can be made.