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URL of this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/imagepages/1792.htm

Striae in the popliteal fossa

Striae in the popliteal fossa

Overview

Striae in the popliteal fossa. Striae or stretch marks result from stretching of the skin, or other influences such as Cushing 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.

Review Date 6/7/2023

Updated by: Elika Hoss, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.