Striae distensae of pregnancy. An in vivo biomechanical evaluation

Background and 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. Patients and 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.