Biophysical properties of striae rubra and striae alba in human skin: Comparison with normal skin

Abstract

Background Striae distensae are common dermal lesions that progress through two different stages: the striae rubra, which appears to be erythematous, and striae alba, which is characterized by a hypopigmented feature. The clinical characteristics between striae distensae stages and normal skin remain unknown. Objectives We aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics according to stages of striae distensae in terms of their biophysical properties, using objective noninvasive measurements in comparison with adjacent normal skin. Methods Sixty‐one healthy female subjects with striae distensae were included as follows: 30 with striae rubra and 31 with striae alba on the abdomen and thighs. Hydration of the epidermis and dermis, skin color brightness, and Erythema index were measured. Skin elasticity, roughness, and dermal echo‐density of the skin with striae distensae and adjacent normal skin were also measured. Results Hydration of the epidermis and dermis showed no significant difference between the skin with striae distensae and normal skin. Brightness of skin with striae alba and normal skin was significantly higher than that of skin with striae rubra. Erythema index of skin with striae rubra was significantly higher than that of skin with striae alba and normal skin. Skin with striae rubra and striae alba had a rougher surface than normal skin. Elasticity and dermal echo‐density were significantly lower in striae distensae skin. Conclusions Striae rubra and striae alba had similar biophysical properties in terms of skin hydration, elasticity, roughness, and dermal density. Moreover, striae distensae have less elasticity, more roughness, and lower dermal density than normal skin.

Platelet‐rich plasma for striae distensae: What do we know about processed autologous blood contents for treating skin stretchmarks?—A systematic review

“…Stretch marks (“striae distensae”, SD) are benign dermal lesions that histologically resemble dermal scars 1 . Clinically and histopathologically two types of striae, distinct by their stage of maturation, exist: “striae rubrae” (SR), appearing initially as immature, tense, erythematous lesions, and later on “striae albae” (SA) with an appearance similar to dermal scars with atrophic, hypopigmented characteristics 2,3 . Histopathologically, SR show reorganisation and reduction of elastin and fibrillin fibres and structural changes of collagen.…”

Evaluation of anisotropic properties of striae distensae with regard to skin surface texture and viscoelasticity

“…We demonstrated that SD are less viscoelastic than the normal skin area, being less elongated by negative pressure and less retracted when relaxed. Several previous studies investigated the biomechanical properties of SD using non‐invasive equipment such as Cutometer ® , Reviscometer ® , and Ballistometer ® . It has been shown that SD lesions are less elastic and less deformable than normal skin through a lower Coefficient of restitution (CoR) and Area parameters in Ballistometer ® and lower Ur/Ue, Ur/Uf, and Uf parameters in Cutometer ® Previous studies have stated that elastin degradation is one of the initial morphological changes of SD, and dermal elastin is fragmented and markedly decreased in SD .…”

“…These findings could support the instrumental assessment results of a lower elasticity of SD in our study. In addition, the changes in the dermis structure of SD were visualized using ultrasound scanning, represented as the echo‐low zone inside the dermis . The lower dermal density could also explain the reduced viscoelasticity of SD.…”

“…In addition, the changes in the dermis structure of SD were visualized using ultrasound scanning, represented as the echo-low zone inside the dermis. 19,22 The lower dermal density could also explain the reduced viscoelasticity of SD. Using Reviscometer ® , the mechanical anisotropy, obtained from the radial distribution of an acoustic shockwave's speed, was higher on the stretch marks.…”

“…Several previous studies investigated the biomechanical properties of SD using non-invasive equipment such as Cutometer ® , Reviscometer ® , and Ballistometer ® . 2,3,19 It has been shown that SD lesions are less elastic and less deform- 20 and dermal elastin is fragmented and markedly decreased in SD. 21 These findings could support the instrumental assessment results of a lower elasticity of SD in our study.…”