Striae in the Popliteal Fossa

Striae in the popliteal fossa: Striae or stretch marks result from stretching of the skin, or other influences such as Cushing's syndrome. Most pregnant women experience striae at some point during their pregnancy. This picture shows striae in the popliteal fossa (the area on the back side of the leg at the knee joint). When the striae first appear they have a violaceous (red-purple) color, but over time they take-on a dull white appearance.

Striae on the Leg

Stretch marks (striae) result from rapid stretching of the skin which may occur with obesity, pubertal growth spurts, pregnancy, or from other influences such as Cushing syndrome.

Stria

Stretch marks (striae) can appear when there is rapid stretching of the skin. Stretch marks appear as parallel streaks of red, thinned glossy skin that over time become whitish and scarlike in appearance. They are often associated with the abdominal enlargement of pregnancy and can also occur during the rapid growth of puberty in males and females. The stretch marks may be slightly depressed and have a different texture than normal skin.