Linear lesions

Striae
A common condition in pregnant women, striae occurs when the skin stretches rapidly. It mainly affects the abdomen and breasts. Weight gain also leads to the formation of striae, and boys going through puberty can be affected. The outer area of the thighs and lumbosacral regions are the most affected in boys and on the thighs, buttocks and breasts in girls. It also occurs in Cushing's syndrome or with the excessive use of topical corticosteroids, particularly potent preparations or if they are applied under occlusion. Linear, flattened, thinned, pinkish skin that is sometimes itchy develops. As this lengthens and becomes wider and wrinkled, the colour changes to a reddish purple before fading to become white, depressed and atrophic.