Efficacy of green tea ( Camellia sinensis Linn) 3% extract cream on improvement of striae distensae.

Background: Striae distensae (SD) is a skin condition that frequently causes dermatological consultations and although asymptomatic, it may can cause itch and burning sensation. Green tea extract contains polyphenol, including flavanol, flavandiol, flavonoid, phenolic acid, amino acids and minerals which play a role in the repair of stretch marks through anti-inflammatory mechanism, increase collagen production, fibroblast proliferation, and skin hydration. Objective: To determine the efficacy of green tea extract cream on striae distensae. Methods: This is a pre-experimental clinical trial with a pretest-posttest design on 36 subjects with striae distensae. Diagnosis establishes through history taking and clinical evaluation. Imam Nelva Alviera (INA) score was used as SD severity before and after the application of the 3% green tea extract cream carried out at weeks 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8. Side effects and subjects' satisfaction were also recorded. Cochran test was carried out to see the difference before and after treatment, with a p-value <0.05 considered significant. Results: Majority of study subjects were 18-25 years (77.8%), had history of pregnancy (75%), had a history of menarche at the age of 12 years (27.8%) and all subjects had striae alba. There was significant decrement in INA score for striae distensae (p<0.001) after eight weeks administration of 3% green tea extract cream. Clinical improvement and no side effects were also noted. All subjects were satisfied. Conclusions: The use of 3% green tea extract cream can improve the appearance of SD.

Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid Added to Six Specific Amino Acids in the Treatment of Striae Alba (SA): An Observational Study.

Striae distensae or stretch marks are a common complaint among women and can be distressing. The present study aimed to assess the efficacy of a mixture of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid and six amino acids when applied with a specific intradermal injection technique known as intra-mural fluid technique. A clinical study was carried out in 32 patients (with a dropout rate by 9.4%) with striae distensae alba (SA) in one or more of the following anatomical areas: breast, abdomen, inner thigh, trochanteric area, gluteal area, posterior supra-iliac area, and lumbar area. Product efficacy was assessed by the investigator using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale, while a Likert scale was used to evaluate to score the treatment tolerability and a QoL stretch marks questionnaire was used to investigate the patients' self-body image. The treatment was effective in improving the appearance of SA fifteen days after the second treatment and 6 months after the first treatment (and after a total of 4 treatments). The product efficacy and tolerability were also perceived by the patients during each treatment session. Our results suggest that the test treatment is a valid treatment option to decrease the appearance of SA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors https://www.springer.com/00266.

Evaluation of the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells derived conditioned medium in the treatment of striae distensae: a double blind randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Striae distensae is a disfiguring atrophic skin condition that impairs the body's aesthetic image. Despite the variety of conducted studies, there is controversy regarding the best modalities. Human mesenchymal stem cells are considered a rich source for scar treatment. Skin needling is among the most efficient and safe aesthetic and therapeutic devices. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the combination of needling and intradermal injection of mesenchymal stem cells compared to skin needling alone for treating striae distensae. METHOD: This study was a randomized, double-blind clinical trial involving 10 women aged 18-60. Each striae lesion was divided into two parts, with one side receiving needling and intradermal injection of conditioned medium, while the other side received needling and intradermal injection of normal saline. This treatment was administered in three sessions with three-week intervals. Patients were evaluated before the first intervention and three months after the final session. Three months after the completion of the intervention, patients' lesions were evaluated using biometric criteria, physician evaluation, and patient self-assessment. RESULTS: The results demonstrated a significant improvement in dermal and complete thickness and skin density in patients treated with microneedling. All skin ultrasound parameters improved significantly in patients receiving the combination of needling and conditioned medium. When comparing the two groups, significantly higher physician and patient satisfaction was observed in the combination group. However, the comparison of biometric indices improvement wasn't significant between these groups. CONCLUSION: The combination of human mesenchymal stem cells with microneedling could be considered a novel effective option for stretch marks.

The role of the beautician in reducing striae.

INTRODUCTION: Striae distensae are a permanent skin defect that can affect 50%-90% of the population. The appearance of the changes resembles spindle-shaped skin bands. The skin in this area is wrinkled, thin and looks like a scar. Most often, the changes are found on the skin of the abdomen, buttocks, breasts, thighs, and back. The appearance of striae means that the skin in this area has no hair follicles, sebaceous, and sweat glands. This skin is flabby, not very elastic and, what is very characteristic, the pigmentation of the skin affected by striae is much lower than in healthy skin. Cosmetology in the 21st century is developing very dynamically, new technologies are being developed, new cosmetological devices are being created and combined with treatments that have been known for a long time. Today's science offers hope for people who have struggled with reducing striae for many years and nowadays, nothing is impossible. AIMS: The objective of this article is to provide information about cosmetological treatment used to reduce striae. METHODS: In this article, we reviewed the published literature, article published in peer-reviewed journals. RESULTS: Today's cosmetology offers a wide range of numerous treatments, but the best results are achieved through a synergy of two or more treatments. But we should not forget that we should respond to each customer individually. CONCLUSION: The striae are not a problem that should be ignored. The beauty therapist is able to reduce them and help the client to improve the appearance of their skin.

V-EMF therapy: A new painless and completely non-invasive treatment for striae gravidarum.

BACKGROUND: The appearance of striae gravidarum (SG) during pregnancy is a common problem. The most common SG are abdominal striae, which can cause the greatest sequelae after pregnancy, and in the long term. There are several solutions to prevent and treat these striae, but not all are completely effective, and not without side effects. AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a treatment that applies an electromagnetic field under vacuum (V-EMF therapy) on the abdominal SG. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of 26 women affected by abdominal SG and treated with V-EMF therapy. The results were evaluated using two different 5-point Likert Scales: one administered to the treated subjects to evaluate their satisfaction, and one to the doctors who performed the treatment, to evaluate the improvement of the striae. The presence of side effects, and the effects of sun exposure after treatment were also considered. RESULTS: Only two treated subjects rated their level of satisfaction with a Score III on the Liker Scale. Everyone else expressed higher levels of satisfaction. Only one doctor rated the improvement of the striae with a Liker scale score of III. All the others reported greater improvements. No discomfort or side effects were noted either during the individual treatment sessions, or at the end of the treatment. The striae showed a newfound ability to tan. CONCLUSIONS: V-EMF therapy proves to be a valid, safe, and effective treatment modality for SG.

A Systematic Review on Treatment Outcomes of Striae.

BACKGROUND: Striae are fine lines on the body that occur following rapid skin stretching (i.e., following pregnancy, puberty, weight change). The aim of this systematic review was to assess the current literature on treatment outcomes associated with striae. OBJECTIVE: (1) To assess the efficacy and safety of different treatment options reported for striae and (2) to determine the most efficient treatment options for each subtype of striae. METHODS: A systematic search was performed on MEDLINE, Embase, and PubMed with no publication date or language restrictions. All articles with original data and treatment outcomes were included. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-one studies on the treatment of striae met inclusion criteria (83% female, mean age at diagnosis = 30.2), and 4,806 treatment outcomes of striae were described. Energy-based devices were the most reported modality (56%; n = 2,699/4,806), followed by topicals (19%; n = 919/4,806) and combinations (12%; n = 567/4,806). The highest rates of complete response were injection-based devices for striae distensae (7%; n = 12/172), CO 2 lasers for striae alba (4%; n = 12/341), and platelet-rich plasma injections for striae rubra (31%; n = 4/13). CONCLUSION: Treatment options for striae are varied, likely indicating a lack of effective treatments due to the diversity in striae subtypes. Improved outcomes in striae management may be achieved with additional research on factors that predict treatment response.

Microneedling Therapy for Striae Distensae: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Striae distensae (SD), linear scars of derma, caused by disproportionate skin stretching, which indicates a cosmetic problem and even endangers individuals' psychosocial health. Microneedling, representing a relatively new procedural therapy, has shown brightening but diverse results in the remedy of SD. Our study systematically investigates and further evaluates the efficacy of microneedling for SD. METHOD: This study was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. According to the preplanned search strategy, four electronic databases were comprehensively searched for eligible clinical controlled studies. Standardized mean difference (SMD) and odd ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for continuous data and dichotomous data, respectively. RESULTS: According to the predetermined criteria, eleven eligible articles of six RCTs and five non-RCTs were included. Concerning clinical improvement, a significant difference was observed in the microneedle radiofrequency treatment subgroup (SMD: 0.57, 95% CI 0.20-0.94, P = 0.003). The pooled result of the second subgroup revealed that microneedling and lasers producing almost comparable effectiveness for treating SD with no significant difference (P = 0.35). The analysis result of the third subgroup of microneedling versus non-laser therapy indicated significant difference at the 5% significance level (SMD:1.01, 95% CI 0.51-1.51, P < 0.0001). With regard to patient satisfaction, the pooled estimate concluded that participants' satisfaction with therapeutic effect between MRF and laser group was comparable (P = 0.26), whereas microneedling exhibited significant superiority than both laser (P = 0.04) and non-laser treatments (SMD: 0.95, 95% CI 0.52-1.38, P < 0.0001). Occurrence of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) was not obvious in microneedling therapy compared to other treatments, and a statistically difference was observed (P = 0.0003). Microneedling treatment caused significant pain compared with laser therapy (P < 0.00001). CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis has provided initial evidence of the efficacy and safety of microneedling technology for SD. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Breast hypoplasia markers among women who report insufficient milk production: A retrospective online survey.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the proportions of anatomical breast characteristics suggestive of breast hypoplasia among breastfeeding women self-reporting low milk supply. We also explored breast hypoplasia risk factors. DESIGN: Online survey conducted between October 2021 and January 2022. SETTING: Five low milk supply Facebook groups. PARTICIPANTS: 487 women reporting low milk supply with their first child born ≥ 37 weeks gestation within 5 years of participation in this study, and residing in the USA, Australia or the UK. We present data on the primary outcome ('breast type') for 399 women. Women were excluded if the dyad was separated for more than 24 hours during the hospital stay, or if the mother reported removing milk less than 6 times per day from each breast on most days before being aware of having insufficient milk production. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The proportions of proposed breast hypoplasia markers including atypical breast type, widely spaced breasts, breast asymmetry, stretch marks on the breast and lack of pregnancy breast growth. We also estimated the odds of having breast hypoplasia markers in at-risk groups compared to reference groups, adjusting for covariates. RESULTS: Approximately 68% reported at least one atypical breast (270/399; 95% CI: 62.9%, 72.1%). Around 47% reported widely spaced breasts (212/449; 95% CI: 42.7%, 52.7%), 72% a lack of pregnancy breast growth (322/449; 95% CI: 68.3%, 77.4%), and 76% stretch marks on the breast (191/250; 95% CI: 70.7%, 81.3%). Multiple logistic regression analyses identified being overweight during pubertal years as a risk factor for atypical breast type and lack of pregnancy breast growth. CONCLUSIONS: Participants in low milk supply Facebook groups reported high rates of breast hypoplasia markers. Being overweight during adolescence was a risk factor for breast hypoplasia markers. These findings should be confirmed in well-conducted large cohort studies to determine the strongest combination of hypoplasia markers in predicting low supply.

Review of Fractional Nonablative Lasers for the Treatment of Dermatologic Conditions in Darker Skin Phototypes.

BACKGROUND: Fractional nonablative lasers (NAFLs) have demonstrated efficacy and safety for treating dermatologic conditions in patients with darker skin phototypes. Nonablative lasers are preferred in darker skin tones due to lower risk of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. OBJECTIVE: This review aims to identify the ideal laser options and parameters for treating common dermatologic conditions in patients with skin types IV-VI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed in May 2023. Of 1,065 articles were identified, and 40 articles met the inclusion criteria. The studies were classified based on design, dermatologic condition, and skin phototype of patients, and assigned levels of evidence according to the Modified Criteria of the Oxford Center of Evidence Based Medicine. RESULTS: Strong level 1 evidence supports the treatment of melasma and atrophic scars using NAFL. Moderate level 2 evidence was found for using NAFL in acne vulgaris, striae, and skin rejuvenation; 45% of the studies examined skin types III-IV, 20% III-V, 7.5% II-IV, 5% II-V, 5% IV alone, and 2.5% I-IV. CONCLUSION: Further research is needed to determine the optimal treatment modalities and parameters for skin types V and VI. Appropriate device selection and conservative treatment settings are crucial for optimizing outcomes and minimizing adverse events.

Efficacy and safety of bipolar fractional radiofrequency vs. 2940-nm Er:YAG ablative fractional laser in striae distensae treatment: A split abdomen study.

BACKGROUND: Striae distensae (SD) is a challenging cosmetic condition. Ablative fractional laser (AFL) is an effective method for treating SD. Recently, fractional radiofrequency (FRF) has been shown to be a promising treatment for SD; however, few studies have shown the differences between FRF and AFL in the treatment of SD. AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical efficacy and safety of bipolar FRF with 2940-nm erbium yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) AFL in the treatment of SD. PATIENTS/METHODS: Twenty volunteers with abdominal SD were enrolled in this study. One half of the abdomen was treated with 2940-nm Er:YAG AFL, whereas the other half was treated with bipolar FRF, with three sessions at 4-week intervals. Photographic evaluations of clinical improvement were conducted by two independent investigators before and after treatment, and the patients provided self-assessments. Two participants underwent three punch biopsies, one before treatment and two obtained from bilateral representative skin lesions on the abdomen 3 months following the final treatment. RESULTS: Clinical improvements were observed in SD on both sides of the abdomen after the two treatments. Post-treatment skin biopsies revealed increased thickness in the epidermis and dermis, and higher collagen and elastin density compared to those at the baseline. No statistically significant differences were observed in the clinical outcomes between the two treatment approaches. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy and safety of bipolar FRF treatment are comparable to those of 2940-nm Er:YAG AFL treatment, providing an alternative and effective treatment for SD.

Clinical efficacy of stromal vascular fraction gel in the treatment of mature striae distensae.

BACKGROUND: Striae Distensae (SD) is a common dermatological lesion. The mechanism of formation is unclear, the prevailing theory is mechanical pulling of the skin and hormonal changes. Traditional SD treatment methods include topical drugs, photoelectric therapy, stripping and others, but each has limitations. Stromal vascular fraction gel (SVF-gel) is a filler physically prepared from granular fat, enriched with adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and extracellular matrix (ECM). A good effect in the treatment of neck lines, wounds, acne, and other aspects. SD formation and treatment goals are comparable to those of neck lines. In this study, SVF-gel filling will be used to treat mature SD, and its effectiveness and safety will be discussed in detail. METHODS: From December 2019 to June 2022, recruit patients who want to treat SD caused by obesity or pregnancy among those who have "autologous fat aspiration" to change their body shape. Preoperatively, the area to be treated for SD was marked, autologous fat aspiration was performed, and the aspirated fat was prepared as SVF-gel and filled into the preoperatively marked SD. All patients had preoperative and postoperative follow-up with planar photographs and VISIA skin analyzer photographs to assess surgical results and safety from subjective and objective perspectives. RESULTS: A total of 36 patients were enrolled, with 31 of them successfully followed up on. The mean Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) score six months after surgery was 1.87 ± 0.03. At six months postoperatively, the overall patient satisfaction rate was 90%. The depth, area, and color of SD improved six months after surgery, and no serious complications occurred in any of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: SVF-gel is a safe and effective method of improving mature SD and can be used as a clinical treatment option.

Microagulhamento versus microcorrente galvânica associada ao peeling químico em estrias albas / Microneedling versus galvanic microcurrent associated with chemical peel in striae alba

Introdução: As estrias são as lesões elementares de pele que acometem mais o sexo feminino. Podem ser decorrentes de múltiplas etiologias, como fatores genéticos, hormonais e mecânicos. As principais formas de tratamento incluem as técnicas de microagulhamento, galvanopuntura e peeling químico. Objetivo: Comparar a influência da utilização do microagulhamento e da microcorrente galvânica associada ao peeling químico sobre a aparência de estrias albas na região glútea de mulheres jovens. Métodos: Realizou-se em 11 mulheres de fototipo de pele II a V de acordo com Fitzpatrick, com idade média de 22,18 ± 2,04 anos, com estrias albas na região do glúteo, as quais foram divididas em dois grupos: microagulhamento (GM) (N = 6) e microcorrente galvânica associada ao peeling químico (GMgP) (N = 5) e foram avaliadas por imagens do pré e pós-tratamento. Resultados: Foi possível observar melhora do aspecto das estrias em ambos os grupos, contudo, avaliando qualitativamente, o grupo GM obteve melhores resultados. Conclusão: Foi possível perceber melhores resultados utilizando a técnica de microagulhamento, tanto em relação a tolerância da dor e adesão ao tratamento, quanto em relação a aparência e textura das estrias. (AU)

Avaliação da eficácia da carboxiterapia na melhora da sensibilidade tátil, da satisfação corporal e do aspecto de estrias albas na região glútea em mulheres: um ensaio clínico randomizado / Evaluation of the effectiveness of carboxitherapy in improving tactile sensitivity, body satisfaction and appearance of stretch marks in the gluteus region in women: a randomized clinical trial

Introdução: Estrias são lesões dérmicas lineares que acometem ambos os sexos, sendo duas vezes mais comuns em mulheres. Objetivos: Investigar se a carboxiterapia é eficaz para melhorar a sensibilidade tátil, a satisfação corporal e o aspecto de estrias albas localizadas na região glútea de mulheres. Métodos: 38 mulheres hígidas com estrias albas bilateralmente na região glútea participaram do estudo. A aplicação da carboxiterapia foi realizada em um glúteo e porção superior da coxa através da introdução da agulha hipodérmica paralelamente as estrias. Foram realizadas doze sessões com duração média de 20 minutos cada, com intervalo de sete dias. A eficácia da intervenção foi avaliada através de registros fotográficos, avaliação da dor, avaliação da sensibilidade tátil, e autoavaliação de satisfação pós-tratamento. Resultados: Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre o grupo experimental e o grupo controle no que diz respeito à avaliação dos registros fotográficos. Houve redução significativa entre a dor e melhora da sensibilidade nas voluntárias. Também houve diferença significativa da satisfação com a aparência do próprio glúteo antes e após o tratamento. Conclusão: A carboxiterapia foi eficaz em melhorar a sensibilidade tátil e a satisfação com o corpo de mulheres hígidas com estrias albas na região glútea. (AU)

Introduction: Stretch marks are linear lesions that affect both sexes, being twice as common in women. Objectives: To investigate whether carboxytherapy is effective in improving tactile sensitivity, body satisfaction and the appearance of stretch marks located in the gluteal region of women. Methods: Thirty-eight healthy women with bilateral stretch marks in the gluteal region participated in the study. Carboxitherapy was applied to a gluteus and upper thigh by introducing the hypodermic needle in parallel as stretch marks. Twelve sessions were held with an average duration of 20 minutes each, with an interval of seven days. The assessment of the intervention was assessed through photographic records, pain assessment, assessment of tactile sensitivity and automatic assessment of satisfaction after treatment. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the experimental group and the control group regarding the evaluation of photographic records. We observed a significant reduction between pain and improved sensitivity in the volunteers, and a significant difference in satisfaction with his appearance before and after treatment. Conclusion: Carboxytherapy was effective in improving tactile sensitivity and body satisfaction in healthy women with stretch marks in the gluteal region. (AU)

Influência da micropuntura associada à micropigmentação no tratamento de estrias albas / Influence of micropuncture associated with micropigmentation on treatment of stretch marks

Introdução: Estrias são alterações no tecido tegumentar, principalmente nas fibras de elastina e colágeno. São frequentemente acompanhadas de problemas psicossociais e de autoestima. Existem diversas técnicas utilizadas, como o microagulhamento, que estimula a produção de colágeno e a dermopigmentação, que camufla as estrias por meio da pigmentação. Objetivo: Verificar a influência do microagulhamento associado a micropigmentação em estrias albas de mulheres. Métodos: Realizou-se um protocolo de Estriaderme em três mulheres de fototipo de pele II a V, de idade média de 27 ± 0,3 anos com estrias albas nos glúteos. O protocolo foi composto por 5 sessões com intervalos quinzenais, em quatro foram realizadas a micropuntura associada ao ácido hialurônico e em uma realizou-se a micropigmentação. As participantes foram avaliadas por fotografias e paquímetro. Resultados: No pós-tratamento, observou-se uma melhora estética nas regiões de aplicação, o tecido tegumentar demonstrou-se mais uniforme, homogêneo e com maior jovialidade. Com redução na espessura das estrias e uma média de redução de 1,8 mm em relação ao pré-tratamento (média ± 3 mm). Conclusão: O protocolo Estriaderme demonstrou ter efeito positivo sobre a pele estriada, no que se refere a sua vascularização, vitalidade, pigmentação, relevo cutâneo, espessura e quantidade. (AU)

Introduction: Stretch marks are alterations in the integumentary tissue, mainly in the elastin and collagen fibers. They are often accompanied by psychosocial and selfesteem problems. Several techniques are used, such as micro-needling, which stimulates collagen production and dermopigmentation, which camouflages stretch marks by pigmenting the area. Objective: To verify the influence of micropuncture associated with micropigmentation on female striae alba. Methods: A Striaderm protocol was performed on three women of skin phototype II to V according to Fitzpatrick, mean age 27 ± 0.3 years with gluteus alba striae. The protocol consisted of 5 sessions at biweekly intervals, four underwent micropuncture associated with hyaluronic acid and one underwent micropigmentation. The participants were evaluated by photographs and caliper. Results: Post-treatment showed an aesthetic improvement in the application regions, the integumentary tissue was more uniform, homogeneous, and more youthful. With reduction in stretch marks and an average reduction of 1.8 mm compared to pretreatment (mean ± 3 mm). Conclusion: The Striaderme protocol has been shown to have a positive effect on striated skin with respect to its vascularity, vitality, pigmentation, skin relief, thickness, and quantity. (AU)

Topical corticosteroid induced ulcerated striae

Abstract We report four cases of ulcerated striae following misuse of fixed dose combinations creams containing clobetasol propionate with antifungal and antibacterial agents.

Síndrome de Ehlers-Danlos hipermóvel: um relato de caso / Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: a case report

A síndrome de Ehlers-Danlos é estabelecida por distúrbios hereditários do tecido conjuntivo que tem como manifestações principais a hipermobilidade articular, a hiperextensibilidade da pele e a fragilidade de tecidos, como articulações, ligamentos, pele, vasos sanguíneos e órgãos internos. São reconhecidos 13 subtipos, de acordo com Classificação Internacional de 2017. Dentre estes, abordamos o hipermóvel, cujo diagnóstico é eminentemente clínico, com manifestações sistêmicas distintas. Esse artigo refere-se ao caso de uma paciente diagnosticada com síndrome de Ehlers-Danlos hipermóvel, tendo como intuito a atualização acerca dos novos critérios diagnósticos, assim como o diagnóstico precoce de tal raropatia.

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is established through hereditary disorders of connective tissue, and has as its manifestations: joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility, and fragility of tissues such as joints, ligaments, skin, blood vessels, and internal organs. Thirteen subtypes have been recognized according to the 2017 International Classification. Among these, the hypermobile type, the diagnosis of which is eminently clinical, with distinct systemic manifestations, will be addressed. This article refers to the case of a patient diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, with the objective of updating the new diagnostic criteria, as well as the early diagnosis of such a rare disease.