Related Experiment Videos
Creams for preventing stretch marks in pregnancy
1Barn Croft Surgery, Temple Sowerby, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1RZ. youngjckvg@compuserve.com
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|May 5, 2000
Summary
A specific cream may help prevent stretch marks in pregnant women with a history of stretch marks. However, evidence does not support its general use for all pregnant women.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Dermatology
- Evidence-Based Medicine
Background:
- Stretch marks, or striae gravidarum, are common in pregnancy.
- Various topical treatments are explored for their efficacy in managing stretch marks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of topical treatments in preventing stretch mark development during pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
- Searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register and CENTRAL/CCTR up to April 1999.
- Included one study comparing an active cream with placebo.
Main Results:
- A cream with Centella asiatica, alpha tocopherol, and collagen-elastin hydrolysates showed a reduced incidence of stretch marks compared to placebo (OR 0.41).
- This effect was observed in a single study of 100 women.
Conclusions:
- A specific cream formulation may offer preventative benefits for stretch marks in pregnant women with prior history.
- Insufficient evidence exists to recommend this treatment for general use in all pregnant women.