Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026
04:12
Roller Microneedle Combined with Tranexamic Acid Solution in Treating Melasma
Published on: January 19, 2024
Topical preparations for preventing stretch marks in pregnancy.
Miriam Brennan1, Gavin Young, Declan Devane
1School of Nursing and Midwifery, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|November 16, 2012
Summary
Current evidence does not support topical preparations for preventing striae gravidarum (stretch marks). More rigorous trials are needed to evaluate their effectiveness in pregnant women.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Obstetrics
- Evidence-based Medicine
Background:
- Striae gravidarum affect 50-90% of pregnant women, causing anxiety.
- The exact cause is unknown, and no preventive preparations are proven effective.
- These marks typically appear on the abdomen, breasts, and thighs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of topical preparations in preventing stretch marks during pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register.
- Included randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials comparing topical preparations with placebos or no treatment.
- Assessed trial eligibility, quality, and extracted data on stretch mark presence and severity.
Main Results:
- Six trials involving 800 women were included.
- No statistically significant difference in stretch mark development or severity was found between topical preparations and placebo/no treatment.
- No significant difference was observed when comparing different active topical preparations.
Conclusions:
- No high-quality evidence supports topical preparations for preventing pregnancy stretch marks.
- There is a need for robust, large-scale randomized trials to evaluate these preparations.
- Commonly used preparations require evaluation in methodologically rigorous trials.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Acne Infection
Acne is a multifactorial skin condition primarily affecting adolescents and young adults, with a global prevalence estimated to exceed 75% in this demographic. The condition is characterized by the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules, pustules, nodules, and, in severe cases, cysts, particularly in areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the face, neck, chest, and back. The pathogenesis involves increased sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization, colonization by...
01:22Birth Control Methods
Vasectomy is a surgical form of male sterilization that involves severing and sealing the vasa deferentia, preventing sperm from mixing with semen during ejaculation. Because a vasectomy does not impact the testes' ability to produce testosterone, hormone levels, libido, and sexual function generally remain unchanged. While vasectomy is highly effective in preventing pregnancy, with a success rate near 99.85%, rare cases of recanalization (spontaneous reconnection) can occur. Although vasectomy...
01:21Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems
Controlled-release systems for intravaginal and intrauterine drug delivery have been developed primarily for the administration of contraceptive steroid hormones. These delivery routes circumvent first-pass hepatic metabolism, thereby enhancing bioavailability and allowing for reduced systemic dosages compared to oral administration. Such approaches contribute to improved therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance, particularly in long-term contraceptive regimens.Intravaginal Drug Delivery...
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota
The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
01:23Local Anesthetics: Common Agents and Their Applications
Local anesthetics (LAs) are commonly used for various applications in medical and dental procedures. Some of the common agents used are cocaine, lidocaine, and bupivacaine.
Cocaine is an ester of benzoic acid and methylecgogine. It is used to anesthetize and vasoconstrict locally. Currently, it is used primarily for topical applications. It is beneficial for surgeries on the upper respiratory tract, providing anesthesia and shrinking the mucosa. Cocaine in the form of cocaine hydrochloride is...
Cocaine is an ester of benzoic acid and methylecgogine. It is used to anesthetize and vasoconstrict locally. Currently, it is used primarily for topical applications. It is beneficial for surgeries on the upper respiratory tract, providing anesthesia and shrinking the mucosa. Cocaine in the form of cocaine hydrochloride is...
01:23Hand hygiene
Asepsis is the practice of preventing or breaking the chain of infection. The nurse employs aseptic techniques to prevent the spread of microorganisms and reduce the risk of diseases. Hand hygiene is the cornerstone of aseptic techniques and is classified into medical and surgical asepsis. Medical asepsis includes hand hygiene and the use of gloves. Surgical asepsis, or the sterile technique, refers to practices that render and keep objects and areas free of microorganisms.
Hand washing...
Hand washing...