ORIGINAL ARTICLE   Free access

Esperienze Dermatologiche 2018 June;20(2 Suppl 1):23-6

DOI: 10.23736/S1128-9155.18.00460-0

Copyright © 2018 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Postpartum stretch marks treated with Centella asiatica cream: report of efficacy from a pilot registry study

Stefano TOGNI ¹, Giada MARAMALDI ¹, Ivan PAGIN ¹, Antonella RIVA ¹, Roberto EGGENHOFFNER ², Luca GIACOMELLI ² ✉, Maria Rosaria CESARONE ³, Gianni BELCARO ³

¹ Indena S.p.A., Milan, Italy; ² Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; ³ IRVINE3 Labs, Chieti-Pescara University, Chieti, Italy

BACKGROUND: Stretch marks are visible linear depressions of the skin secondary to fibroblast dysfunction, very frequently appearing during pregnancy on the abdomen and breasts. They may derive from alterations in the connective tissue secondary to weight gain and hormonal imbalances due to the fact that elastin, collagen and all their components from the mother’s skin and veins are conveyed to the developing fetal structures. The extracts of Centella asiatica (CA) may help regenerate collagen and elastin. The aim of this pilot study is to assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of the CA cream applied in the postpartum period (after 6 months from delivery) for 4 to 6 weeks to restore the normal elasticity and resistance of the skin in the stretch marks, and to improve the local microcirculation. The aim of our research is.
METHODS: A total of 54 women were included in the registry, 26 in the active treatment group (group A), and 28 in the control group (group B).
RESULTS: In group A, skin thickness (both in the center and at the edge of the stretch marks), elasticity, perfusion at laser Doppler, skin temperature, grey scale and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores improved statistically after 4 weeks of treatment, compared to controls. Moreover, after 4 weeks, a more normal perfusion of the area around the stretch marks was obtained. The treatment was well tolerated, without any allergic reactions or side effects.
CONCLUSIONS: Topic treatment with CA cream may be a valuable option for the treatment of stretch marks, offering greater benefit in terms of improvement of the stretch marks.

KEY WORDS: Centella asiatica extract - Striae distensae - Skin cream - Postpartum period