Evaluation of Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents Diagnosed with Striae Distensae

OBJECTIVES: Striae distensae (SD) are characterized by erythematous or atrophic bands, which are common during adolescence and can adversely impact the psychosocial status of the affected patients. Our aim in this study is to evaluate the quality of life of children and adolescents diagnosed with SD. METHODS: This prospective observational study included 50 adolescents with SD. The gender and the age of the patients were noted. Quality of life was evaluated with the Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI). RESULTS: The present study included 50 patients with SD. Female patients were more common than male patients, with frequencies of 58% and 42%, respectively. The median values of the total scores of the CDLQI were 9 (0-21) in females and 4 (0-12) in males. The difference of 5 units between them was statistically significant (P = .003). The age groups of the participants were 9-12 and 13-16. There were 15 (30%) patients in the 9-12 age range and 35 (70%) patients in the 13-16 age range. The median values of the total score of the CDLQI were 7 (0-21) in the 9-12 age group, and 6 (0-20) in the 13-16 age group. Total score did not differ significantly between groups (P = .679). CONCLUSION: SD are common during adolescence and affect the quality of life. Therefore, this should not be considered only as a cosmetic problem. Patients should also be evaluated in terms of the psychosocial aspects.