Striae distensae of pregnancy. An in vivo biomechanical evaluation.
OBJECTIVE
Striae distensae of pregnancy is a common finding. There is currently a lack of information about the rheological characteristics of such lesions. The purpose of this study was to compare the mechanical properties of striae distensae before and after delivery.


METHODS
A total of 79 primigravid entered the study. Rheological properties of skin were evaluated in vivo using a Cutometer equipped with a 2-mm probe.


RESULTS
Mechanical properties of striae distensae developing during pregnancy resembled those of the surrounding skin. By contrast, significant differences were yielded during post-partum. Extensibility of striae distensae was increased although parameters of elasticity remained normal.


CONCLUSIONS
Rheological properties of striae distensae of pregnancy vary in time. This might reflect the changes in hormones and in the mechanical stresses normally setting the skin under tension.
Henry
F
F
Department of Dermatopathology, University of Liège, Belgium.
Piérard-Franchimont
C
C
Pans
A
A
Piérard
G E
GE
D000328:Adult; D004547:Elastic Tissue / Q000502:physiology; D004548:Elasticity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third / Q000502:physiology*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012212:Rheology / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena; D013848:Thigh