Striae
Striae
Striae (/ˈstraɪ.iː/), also known as stretch marks, are a common form of skin scarring that often appear as parallel lines on the skin. They are caused by the rapid stretching of the skin and are particularly common in periods of growth or weight gain.
Etymology
The term "striae" is derived from the Latin word "stria", which means "groove" or "furrow". It is used in medical terminology to refer to linear marks or ridges on the skin.
Causes
Striae are caused by the rapid stretching of the skin, often due to growth spurts, pregnancy, rapid weight gain or loss, and intense physical activity. They are also associated with certain medical conditions and treatments, such as Cushing's syndrome and prolonged use of corticosteroid creams.
Symptoms
Striae initially appear as reddish or purplish lines, but over time they fade to a lighter color. They are often slightly raised and can feel different from the surrounding skin. Striae can appear anywhere on the body, but are most commonly found on the stomach, breasts, thighs, buttocks, and upper arms.
Treatment
While there is no cure for striae, treatments are available that can help to reduce their appearance. These include topical creams and gels, laser therapy, and microdermabrasion. However, results vary and these treatments may not completely remove striae.
Related Terms
- Dermatology: The branch of medicine dealing with the skin and its diseases.
- Epidermis: The outer layer of the skin.
- Dermis: The layer of skin beneath the epidermis.
- Elastin: A protein in connective tissue that is elastic and allows many tissues in the body to resume their shape after stretching or contracting.
- Collagen: The main structural protein in the extracellular space in the various connective tissues in the body.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Striae
- Wikipedia's article - Striae
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