Stretch-marks seen in the skin, common in adolescent boys and girls owing to stretching of the skin by rapid growth (striae distensae). In boys, striae occur around the shoulders and thighs; in girls the breasts and hips are affected. In both sexes horizontal striae on the back may be mistaken for signs of trauma. Striae are common in women in late pregnancy, especially on the lower abdomen (striae gravidarum). Injudicious prolonged use of potent topical CORTICOSTEROIDS can induce striae, particularly about the groins, inner thighs or armpits. Prolonged high-dose oral STEROID therapy may cause widespread striae.
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