For The Prevention And Treatment Of Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are well recognised and a common condition that can be a cause of great concern during and after pregnancy.

Whilst stretch marks are not detrimental to the health they can cause physical symptoms such as itching, tenderness and pain. Because of their visual appearance stretch marks can also significantly affect one’s self esteem and image1.

Although there is no general consensus from experts regarding the causes of stretch marks, the main theories under discussion are hormonal changes1,2,3 defects in the basic structure of the elastic tissue4,5 and mechanical stretching3.

Studies have found no correlation between stretch marks and weight gain per week or an increase in abdominal/hip girth during pregnancy4. The amount of the skin strain is not the primary cause of striae.

Stretch marks are a type of thin, flattened abnormal scar referred to as striae. In the early stages stretch marks appear slightly raised with a pink to red colour, which over time develops a slight purple tinge, eventually becoming white and depressed with finely wrinkled lines.

Stretch marks are two and a half times more frequent in women than men and can affect between 60-70% of pregnant women1,3.

Many cosmetic products available on the market claim to improve stretch marks with no clinical trials or assessment of efficacy. There has not been shown to be a significant improvement in the development of stretch marks in women who were using a topical preparation claiming to have an active ingredient when compared to a placebo or no treatment3.

Stratamark is the first and only topical medical product with a therapeutic action for prevention and treatment of stretch marks with proven clinical evidence6. In a group of 148 pregnant women with no existing stretch marks, Stratamark was shown to prevent striae in 82 %. In a group of 155 pregnant women with existing stretch marks, Stratamark was shown to reduce severity of striae by 47%. In this group of patients 88% reported an improvement in colour, 86% reported a reduction in visibility and 83% reported a reduction in itching.

Stratamark is designed to prevent new stretch marks from forming, soften and flatten stretch marks, reduce redness and discolouration associated with stretch marks and relieve the itching and discomfort of stretch marks.

Stratamark is a unique gel formulation that is easy to apply and requires substantially less product per application than typical moisturising creams or cosmetic products. Stratamark is applied in a very thin layer to clean dry skin. Application is only once per day or after each wash. For the best results, Stratamark should be maintained in continuous contact with the skin (24 hours/day). When applied correctly, Stratamark should be dry in 5-6 minutes and once dry can be covered with clothing, sunscreens or cosmetics.

Stratamark is transparent and odourless. It does not contain alcohol, fragrances or parabens and is therefore suitable for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, children and people with sensitive skin.

Stratamark provides a complex triple action

Stratamark is semi-occlusive and gas permeable which allows the skin to breathe and remain hydrated. However it is also hydrophobic, which prevents water being lost from the dermal layers of the skin. It helps in decreasing the transepithelial water loss therefore increasing stretch mark hydration7,8.

Stratamark forms a durable, flexible and waterproof sheet that protects stretch marks form local irritants including friction from clothing. This assists in normalising the level of collagen production7. Stratamark also influences the epidermal-dermal signalling cascade via a regulation role of the epidermis on fibroblast production. This helps to normalise the collagen synthesis cycle of the stetch marks7.

Stratamark is economical to use and one 20g tube contains enough gel for approximately one month treatment for a woman in the last stage of pregnancy, while one 50g tube contains enough gel for approximately two months treatment in the last stage of pregancy.

To prevent stretch marks, Stratamark is recommended for use from the beginning of the second trimester or at the first signs of stretch marks. Treatment should be continued following birth for a minimum of 60 to 90 days.

To treat existing stretch marks, Stratamark should be used for at least 60 to 90 days until no further improvement is seen. Stratamark can also be used in combination with other stretch mark treatments including laser therapy with the advice of a physician.

So don’t reach for a cosmetic product without clinical evidence. When your customer is seeking a topical treatment for stretch marks, only Stratamark is clinically proven.

Stratpharma are proud to support Australian Pharmacy with direct to consumer advertising of Stratamark. For more information, please visit www.stratamark.net or call 1800 567 007

To view the latest Stratpharma case study, please follow this link.

Manufactured by Stratpharma AG, Centralbahnplatz 8, CH-4051 Basel Switzerland
Sponsor in Australia AL Kerr Medical Pty Ltd, 174 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest NSW 2065

References:
1. Osman H et al. BJOG 2008; 115:1138–1142
2. McDaniel DH. Dermatologic Clinics 2002;20(1):67–76
3. Elsaie ML et al. Dermatologic Surgery 2009;35:563–573
4. Chang AL et al. J Am Acad Dermatol 2004;51:881–885
5. Linda Garcia Hildago. Am J Clin Dermatol 2202; 3(7): 497–506
6. Malkova S. New EU Magazine of Medicine, July 2014, 1–4/2014.
7. Mustoe TA. Aesth Plast Surg 2008; 32:82-92
8. Quinn KJ et al. Burns 1985; 12:102-108