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Veronese S, Bacci PA, Garcia-Gimenez V, Canel Micheloud CC, Haro García NL, Sbarbati A. V-EMF therapy: A new painless and completely non-invasive treatment for striae gravidarum. J Cosmet Dermatol 2024; 23:2007-2014. [PMID: 38549181 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.16220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila Veronese
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Pier Antonio Bacci
- Medical Centre for Vascular Diseases and Aesthetic Pathologies, Arezzo, Italy
| | - Victor Garcia-Gimenez
- Knowledge and Management in Physiological Aging Medicine Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Andrea Sbarbati
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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2
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Poljšak N, Kočevar Glavač N. Vegetable Butters and Oils as Therapeutically and Cosmetically Active Ingredients for Dermal Use: A Review of Clinical Studies. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:868461. [PMID: 35548366 PMCID: PMC9083541 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.868461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
While the chemical composition of vegetable butters and oils has been studied in detail, there is limited knowledge about their mechanisms of action after application on the skin. To understand their dermal effects better, 27 clinical studies evaluating 17 vegetable oils (almond, argan, avocado, borage, coconut, evening primrose, kukui, marula, mustard, neem, olive, rapeseed, sacha inchi, safflower, shea butter, soybean and sunflower oils) were reviewed in this research. The reviewed studies focused on non-affected skin, infant skin, psoriasis, xerosis, UVB-induced erythema, atopic dermatitis, molluscum contagiosum, tungiasis, scars, striae and striae gravidarum. We conclude that in inflammation-affected skin, vegetable oils with a high content of oleic acid, together with the lack of or a low linoleic acid content, may cause additional structural damage of the stratum corneum, while oils high in linoleic acid and saturated fatty acids may express positive effects. Non-affected skin, in contrast, may not react negatively to oils high in oleic acid. However, the frequency and duration of an oil's use must be considered an important factor that may accelerate or enhance the negative effects on the skin's structural integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Poljšak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nina Kočevar Glavač
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Silva V, Schukow CP, Restini CBA. Striae distensae as a diagnostic indicator for eating disorder pathologies. Int J Dermatol 2022; 62:715-722. [PMID: 35543453 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.16223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This manuscript provides a review of the relationship between patients with an underlying eating disorder (ED) and the presence of striae distensae (SD). Researchers and clinicians have recognized many different skin manifestations associated with EDs. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, EDs include, but are not limited to, anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge eating disorder (BED). The presence of specific skin findings often helps clinicians conclude whether or not a patient may have an underlying ED and require further evaluation. One skin finding associated with an ED with little current literature focus is SD. SD arises from a combination of hormonal imbalances and stretching of the dermis, triggering a local inflammatory response. The presence of SD leaves patients with diminished quality of life. There is no single guideline treatment for SD; however, topical and/or light and laser therapies can be utilized. METHOD Using online medical literature databases and the PRISMA guidelines, 11 out of 574 articles met the acceptable criteria to be analyzed, emphasizing the lack of current literature on this subject. RESULTS Anxiety and depression were comorbidities demonstrated to be strongly related to AN and obesity, secondary to BED, in patients who developed SD. Higher degrees of suicidal ideation and insomnia, along with lower self-esteem levels, were more likely to be present in these patients. CONCLUSION Altogether, this review highlights the importance of continued evaluation of SD and its overall impact on patient's mental health, emphasizing an underlying ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vixey Silva
- Michigan State University, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Macomb University Center, Clinton, Michigan, USA
| | - Casey P Schukow
- Michigan State University, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Carolina B A Restini
- Michigan State University, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Macomb University Center, Clinton, Michigan, USA.,Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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Seirafianpour F, Sodagar S, Mozafarpoor S, Baradaran HR, Panahi P, Hassanlouei B, Goodarzi A. Systematic review of single and combined treatments for different types of striae: a comparison of striae treatments. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2021; 35:2185-2198. [PMID: 34021922 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.17374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Striae distensae (SD) or stretch marks are among the most common forms of atrophic scarring and cosmetic problems, especially in women, that negatively affect quality of life. The main causes of SD vary widely, but the most significant ones include obesity, pregnancy, high corticosteroid levels, weight changes, endocrine disorders and genetic predispositions. Various modalities are available for the treatment of SD; however, there is still no gold standard therapy for this condition. Given the many questions concerning the preferred therapeutic modalities for SD or their overall cost-effectiveness, this comprehensive systematic review discusses the most prevalent, recent and promising therapies for SD in three main categories, including single therapy, therapeutic comparisons and combination therapy. A systematic search was carried out in Medline, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar for original articles published on the treatment of SD by 20 May 2019. One hundred articles were reviewed and divided into three categories. In the single therapy category, we found that laser and other light-based devices and topical treatments are the most commonly applied interventions. In the therapeutic comparison category, we found that most of the common therapeutic modalities are equally effective and there is no significant difference between them in side-effects and treatment duration. In the combination therapy category, we found that the combination of two or more modalities is usually better than using each one alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Seirafianpour
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - S Sodagar
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - S Mozafarpoor
- Department of Dermatology, Skin Disease and Leishmaniasis Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - H R Baradaran
- Ageing Clinical & Experimental Research Team, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
- Endocrine Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - P Panahi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - B Hassanlouei
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - A Goodarzi
- Department of Dermatology, Rasool Akram Medical Complex, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Brennan M, Clarke M, Newell J, Devane D. Prevention of striae gravidarum: study protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial. Trials 2018; 19:553. [PMID: 30314504 PMCID: PMC6186113 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-018-2898-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Striae gravidarum (stretch marks) are considered the most common connective tissue/skin change in pregnancy. Though not a health issue they can affect women in different ways, for example, cause stress or be an aesthetic or cosmetic concern. Many women use one or more of the commercially available products to try and prevent their development during pregnancy despite the fact that that there is a lack of high-quality evidence to support their use. There is a dearth of studies on the prevention of striae gravidarum and large, robust trials are lacking. Until such time as more products are investigated, much of the knowledge remains anecdotal. This pilot study will evaluate the feasibility of conducting a study to evaluate the effectiveness of a commercially available moisturising oil compared to no treatment for the prevention and reduction in severity of striae gravidarum. Methods The definitive study will be a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a moisturising oil (commercially available moisturising oil) compared to no treatment for the prevention and reduction in severity of striae gravidarum. This protocol is for a pilot randomised trial to evaluate the feasibility of conducting such a study. The pilot study will be a two-arm, unblinded, pragmatic parallel randomised trial with a 1:1 randomisation ratio between control and intervention groups. Women in the intervention group will be asked to apply a moisturising oil to their abdomen during pregnancy, while women in the control group will not use any treatment. It is proposed to recruit 20 primigravida, who are 12–16 weeks pregnant from an Irish Maternity Hospital, in each arm to assess the feasibility of running such a trial. Discussion This pilot trial will evaluate the feasibility of conducting the main study to evaluate the effectiveness of a moisturising oil (commercially available moisturising oil) compared to no treatment for the prevention and reduction in severity of striae gravidarum. It will potentially initiate the generation of high-quality evidence to guide women in their choice of anti-stretch mark product. Trial registration ISRCTN Registry, ISRCTN76992326. Registered on 14 July 2017. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-018-2898-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Brennan
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, Aras Moyola, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, H91 TK33, Ireland.
| | - Mike Clarke
- Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Health Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT12 6BA, Northern Ireland
| | - John Newell
- School of Mathematics, Statistics, and Applied Mathematics, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Declan Devane
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, Aras Moyola, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, H91 TK33, Ireland
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Hague A, Bayat A. Therapeutic targets in the management of striae distensae: A systematic review. J Am Acad Dermatol 2017; 77:559-568.e18. [PMID: 28551068 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2017.02.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Revised: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Striae distensae are permanent dermal lesions that can cause significant psychosocial distress. A detailed understanding of the numerous treatment modalities available is essential to ensuring optimal patient outcomes. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to evaluate and summarize the different treatment methods for striae distensae by linking their proposed modes of action with the histopathogenesis of the condition to guide patient treatment. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was performed with no limits placed on publication date. Relevant studies were assigned a level of evidence by the authors. RESULTS Ninety-two articles were identified, with 74 being eligible for quality assessment. The majority of treatments aim to increase collagen production. The use of vascular lasers can reduce erythema in striae rubrae by targeting hemoglobin, whereas increasing melanin through methods such as ultraviolet light is a major focus for treatment of striae albae. Despite some topical treatments being widely used, uncertainty regarding their mode of action remains. No treatment has proved to be completely effective. LIMITATIONS Limitations of the study include low-quality evidence, small sample sizes, and varying treatment protocols and outcome measures, along with concerns regarding publication bias. CONCLUSIONS Further randomized, controlled trials are needed before definitive conclusions and recommendations can be made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Hague
- Centre for Dermatological Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ardeshir Bayat
- Centre for Dermatological Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.
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7
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Striae Distensae: Preventative and Therapeutic Modalities to Improve Aesthetic Appearance. Dermatol Surg 2017; 43:635-648. [DOI: 10.1097/dss.0000000000001079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Bogdan C, Iurian S, Tomuta I, Moldovan M. Improvement of skin condition in striae distensae: development, characterization and clinical efficacy of a cosmetic product containing Punica granatum seed oil and Croton lechleri resin extract. Drug Des Devel Ther 2017; 11:521-531. [PMID: 28280300 PMCID: PMC5338857 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s128470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Striae distensae are a frequent skin condition associated with pregnancy, weight change or lack of skin elasticity. The aim of this research was to obtain a topical product containing herbal active ingredients with documented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity (Punica granatum seed oil and Croton lechleri resin extract) and demonstrate its positive effect on prevention and treatment of striae distensae. First, the cream base formulation was optimized through experimental design. Secondly, the cream containing the two active ingredients was investigated in an interventional nonrandomized clinical trial. The clinical outcome was assessed through biophysical parameters and ultrasonographic evaluation. The state of the skin was evaluated by biophysical measurements and ultrasonography at the beginning of the study and after 3 and 6 weeks. The experimental design was successfully used to set the best ranges for the technological and formulation factors to obtain a cosmetic formulation with optimal characteristics. The study of clinical efficacy on the optimal formulation revealed an increase in the dermis thickness, hydration and elasticity values in both groups after 6 weeks of cream application. The new oil-in-water cream containing P. granatum seed oil and C. lechleri resin extract can be helpful in the prevention or improving of skin changes associated with striae.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sonia Iurian
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iuliu Haţieganu, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioan Tomuta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iuliu Haţieganu, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Abstract
Stretch marks are one of the most common benign cutaneous lesions and encountered esthetic problems. Striae rubrae and striae albae can be differentiated on the basis of clinical appearance. Histologically, disturbances of the dermal fiber network and local expression of receptors for sexual steroids have been detected. The epidermal changes are secondary. Prevention of stretch marks using topical ointments and oils is debatable. Treatment of striae rubrae by lasers and light devices improves appearance. Microneedling and non-ablative and fractionated lasers have been used. This review provides an overview on current treatment options with a special focus on laser treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uwe Wollina
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Academic Teaching Hospital Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Farahnik B, Park K, Kroumpouzos G, Murase J. Striae gravidarum: Risk factors, prevention, and management. Int J Womens Dermatol 2016; 3:77-85. [PMID: 28560300 PMCID: PMC5440454 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijwd.2016.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Revised: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Striae gravidarum (SG) are atrophic linear scars that represent one of the most common connective tissue changes during pregnancy. SG can cause emotional and psychological distress for many women. Research on risk factors, prevention, and management of SG has been often inconclusive. Methods We conducted a literature search using textbooks, PubMed, and Medline databases to assess research performed on the risk factors, prevention, and management of SG. The search included the following key words: striae gravidarum, pregnancy stretch marks, and pregnancy stretch. We also reviewed citations within articles to identify relevant sources. Results Younger age, maternal and family history of SG, increased pre-pregnancy and pre-delivery weight, and increased birth weight were the most significant risk factors identified for SG. Although few studies have confirmed effective prevention methods, Centella asiatica extract, hyaluronic acid, and daily massages showed some promise. Treatment for general striae has greatly improved over the last few years. Topical tretinoin ≥ 0.05% has demonstrated up to 47% improvement of SG and non-ablative fractional lasers have consistently demonstrated 50 to 75% improvement in treated lesions of striae distensae. Conclusion Overall, SG has seen a resurgence in research over the last few years with promising data being released. Results of recent studies provide dermatologists with new options for the many women who are affected by these disfiguring marks of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Farahnik
- University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
| | - K Park
- Division of Dermatology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL
| | - G Kroumpouzos
- Department of Dermatology, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI.,Department of Dermatology, Medical School of Jundiaí, São Paulo, Brazil.,GK Dermatology, PC, South Weymouth, MA
| | - J Murase
- Department of Dermatology, Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group, Mountain View, CA
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Korgavkar K, Wang F. Stretch marks during pregnancy: a review of topical prevention. Br J Dermatol 2015; 172:606-15. [DOI: 10.1111/bjd.13426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K. Korgavkar
- Medical School; University of Michigan; 1910 Taubman Center 1500 East Medical Center Drive Ann Arbor MI 48109 U.S.A
| | - F. Wang
- Department of Dermatology; University of Michigan; 1910 Taubman Center 1500 East Medical Center Drive Ann Arbor MI 48109 U.S.A
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