Striae of pregnancy

Abstract

Striae may form on the skin due to a number of factors: rapid weight gain, muscle hypertrophy, endocrinopathies, breast enlargement, as a side effect of long-term topical use of strong corticosteroids. However, in some rare circumstances, striae can develop as a complication due to the use of tissue expanders. This cosmetic defect develops most often on the skin of the thighs, abdomen, mammary glands in women and the shoulders in men. Striae of pregnancy are a common cosmetic skin defect. The development of striae is associated with stretching and rupture of connective tissue in susceptible individuals against the background of influence of genetic and hormonal factors. The appearance of striae gravidarum does not have a significant effect on the health of patients, however, a cosmetic defect caused by the appearance of striae can generate psychoemotional (psychoemotional) stress and lead to a decrease in quality of life. The striae development occurs in certain stages. The initial period of striae development – red (immature) striae – is characterized by the absence of changes in the epidermis and signs of inflammation in the dermis. The appearance of white (mature) striae is accompanied by the architectural distortion of elastic fibre net and changes in the viscoelastic properties of the affected skin, which becomes much less elastic. The correction of striae requires topical treatment that help moisturize and soften the skin, stimulate the processes of collagen production, as well as physiotherapy techniques. However, many of them have contraindications for use during pregnancy. The article discusses the issues of the use of cosmetic products that can be used during pregnancy.