Extensive striae distensae as a result of topical corticosteroid therapy in psoriasis vulgaris.

Sir, Striae distensae are common skin alterations first described in the medical literature by Troisier & Menetrier in 1829 (1). In 1936, Nardelli (2), named the lesions striae atrophicae. Striae distensae occur as linear bands of atrophic or wrinkled skin that initially appears erythematous and fibrotic, later becoming hypopigmented. They are common in both sexes. Incidence varies from 5% to 35%, but the striae occur 2.5 times more frequently in girls than in boys. In 90% of pregnant women, striae distensae appear on the breast and/or lower abdomen. They are rare in children below the age of 5 years (3). The distribution pattern frequently includes the thighs, buttocks, breasts, shoulders and lower back. All striae distensae have the same appearance irrespective of the cause, but their aetiology remains a mystery. We report on a teenage girl who had suffered from psoriasis vulgaris for 10 years and who had received prolonged potent topical steroids treatment in adolescence resulting in extensive striae distensae.