Striae gravidarum (SG), or stretch marks, are common during pregnancy, and are experienced by nearly 90% of the women.1 These are atrophic linear scars that initially present as flat, pink-to-red bands (striae rubra or immature striae). These may become raised, longer, wider, and violet-red, and may eventually grow faint and become hypopigmented (striae alba or mature striae). SG may be associated with itching, burning, and discomfort and usually present on the breasts, abdomen, hips, and thighs.2

Topical preparations are often used to manage SG and their associated symptoms. Aloe vera is a well-known herb that has numerous therapeutic benefits. It can relieve a variety of skin ailments including mild cuts, bruises and eczema and acts as an antidote for insect stings, poison ivy. It has skin moisturizing and anti ageing properties. Additionally, it is an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent.3 Aloe vera is known to reduce the itching associated with striae and also prevents their progression when applied topically. A double-blind clinical trial randomized 160 nulliparous women into 4 groups who received aloe vera, sweet almond oil, and base cream to use topically on the abdominal skin and the fourth group did not receive any medication and formed the control group. Aloe vera application was found to be more effective than base cream in decreasing itching and erythema and in preventing the spread of striae on the surface of abdomen.4

Stretch marks are a common occurrence during pregnancy and application of aloe vera extract seems to be beneficial to manage this condition and its associated symptoms.

References

1. Korgavkar K, Wang F. Stretch marks during pregnancy: a review of topical prevention. Br J Dermatol. 2015 Mar;172(3):606-15.
2. Farahnik B, Park K, Kroumpouzos G, Murase J. Striae gravidarum: Risk factors, prevention, and management. International Journal of Women’s Dermatology 2017;3(2):77-85.
3. Sahu PK, Giri DD, Singh R, et al. Therapeutic and Medicinal Uses of Aloe vera: A Review. Pharmacology and Pharmacy 2013;4:599-610.
4. Hajhashemi M, Rafieian M, Rouhi Boroujeni HA, et al. The effect of Aloe vera gel and sweet almond oil on striae gravidarum in nulliparous women. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2017 May 19:1-6.