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Demographic characteristics of teenage boys with horizontal striae distensae of the lower back
Author(s) -
Boozalis Emily,
Grossberg Anna L.,
Puttgen Katherine B.,
Heath Candrice R.,
Cohen Bernard A.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
pediatric dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.542
H-Index - 73
eISSN - 1525-1470
pISSN - 0736-8046
DOI - 10.1111/pde.13329
Subject(s) - medicine , dermatology , orthodontics
Background This study examines the clinical characteristics and demographics of teenage boys with horizontal striae distensae of the lower back in an outpatient setting. Methods Retrospective medical chart reviews and telephone survey studies were completed on an outpatient cohort of 12 boys 11 to 17 years of age with a clinical diagnosis of transverse striae distensae of the lower back at a single‐center, university‐based, pediatric dermatology practice. We evaluated the clinical features of the striae, participant demographic characteristics, and past medical history. A review of the literature concerning risk factors was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar. Results Of the 14 patients we contacted, 12 agreed to participate. The average age of onset for the striae was 14.3 years. All boys were above the 50th percentile in height at the time of onset. Eight (66.7%) reported a significant growth spurt before the appearance of the stretch marks. Most were asymptomatic. None of the boys had a history of unmonitored exogenous steroid use or prior infection with Bartonella henselae or Borrelia burgdorferi . Only one (8.3%) had a chronic medical condition. Eleven (91.7%) had at least one first‐degree relative with striae distensae. Conclusion Our results indicate that horizontal striae distensae of the lower back in adolescent boys is associated with a rapid growth spurt, tall stature, and family history of striae distensae. There is no association between this type of striae distensae and any chronic medical condition, bacterial infection, or exogenous steroid use. Thus a careful review of systems and counseling without further medical testing is reasonable management.