An investigation of striae distensae using reflectance confocal microscopy

Rolfe, Heidi, Wurm, Elisabeth and Gilmore, Stephen (2012) An investigation of striae distensae using reflectance confocal microscopy. Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 53 3: 181-185.


Author Rolfe, Heidi
Wurm, Elisabeth
Gilmore, Stephen
Title An investigation of striae distensae using reflectance confocal microscopy
Journal name Australasian Journal of Dermatology  (ERA 2012 Listed)    (ERA 2010 Rank C)   Check publisher's open access policy
Publication date 2012-08
Sub-type Article
DOI 10.1111/j.1440-0960.2012.00884.x
Volume number 53
Issue number 3
ISSN 0004-8380; 1440-0960
Start page 181
End page 185
Total pages 5
Place of publication Richmond, VIC, Australia
Publisher Wiley-Blackwell
Collection year 2013
Language eng
Formatted abstract Background: Striae distensae, otherwise known as stretch marks, are white or red scar-like streaks on the skin. Although they are not associated with adverse health outcomes, striae are associated with significant cosmetic morbidity. While they have been well characterised histopathologically, a non-invasive method of microscopic lesion assessment of striae would be welcome.

Methods: To gain insight into the small-scale morphological features associated with striae we undertook an in vivo investigation of nine patients with striae alba and one with striae rubra utilising reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM).

Results: Here we demonstrate that features known to be present using light microscopy, such as parallel collagen bundles in the dermis, and some features that are not well recognised by light microscopy, including distortion of dermal papillae, are demonstrable using RCM.

Conclusions: Characterising the features of early and established striae distensae with confocal microscopy is an important foundation for future work. The potential ability to reliably identify the earliest pathological changes in skin in early lesions or before clinically manifest striae develop - a task facilitated by our findings - will increase the understanding of their pathogenesis and will have significant practical utility in monitoring the impact of future preventative interventions.
Keyword In vivo
RCM
Reflectance confocal microscopy
Striae distensae
Q-Index Code C1
Q-Index Status Confirmed Code
Institutional Status UQ
Additional Notes First published online: 27 March 2012.

Document type: Journal Article
Sub-type: Article
Collections: Official 2013 Collection
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