Abstract

Introduction: Striae is a cutaneous atrophy that arises from the rupture of elastic fibers that are located in the dermis, affecting 2.5 times more females when compared to males. The microgalvanic current is one of the most used techniques for the treatment of stretch marks, despite that, its results are still inconclusive.

Objective: Review in the literature the information about the microgalvanopuncture technique and its applicability for the treatment of stretch marks.

Method: This article consists of a systematic review, conducted from four electronic databases: Google Scholar, Scielo, PubMed and Virtual Health Library. The keywords used in the search for manuscripts were electrotherapy, striations, microgalvanopuntura and microgalvanic current. The original articles related to the theme were researched in Portuguese and English, between 2007 and 2018.

Results: The search resulted in twenty-one articles, however, only seven (33.33%) studies met the criteria necessary for inclusion in this review. All studies performed the random sampling process of the participants. Most studies (85.71%) presented a positive relationship between microgalvanopuntura and the treatment of stretch marks, indicating that the technique can be effective in improving aspects and perception of stretch marks.

Conclusion: The use of microgalvanopuntura in the treatment of stretch marks presents positive evidence regarding its clinical applicability, showing itself to be an effective technique for this specificity. However, it is suggested that further controlled studies be conducted comparing the intensities and technique of application.

Keywords: Electrotherapy; Physiotherapy; Stretch Mark; Electroacupuncture

References

1. Galdino APG., et al. “Comparative analysis of the effect of microgalvanic current: case study in the treatment of atrophic stretch marks”. Electronic Journal Health CESUC 1 (2010): 1-6.
2. Lacrimanti LM., et al. “Didactic course in aesthetics”. São Caetano do Sul: Yendis (2008): 322-327.
3. Guirro ECO and Guirro RR. “Dermato-functional physiotherapy: foundations, resources, pathologies”. 3rd Edition. São Paulo: Manole (2007): 391-408.
4. Kasielska‐trojan A., et al. “Do body build and composition influence striae distensae occurrence and visibility in women?” Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2017): 1165-1169.
5. Azulay RD., et al. “Atrophic and sclerotic dermatoses”. In: Hanauer L, Azulay MM, Azulay DR. Dermatology. 5. edition. Rio de Janeiro: Guanabara Koogan 11 (2008): 147-149.
6. White PAS., et al. “Effects of galvanopuncture on the treatment of atrophic stretch marks”. Physiotherapy Brazil1 (2008): 53-58.
7. Agne JE. “Santa Maria: Pallotti (2009).
8. Tehranchinia Z., et al. “Fractionated CO2 Laser in the Treatment of Striae Alba in Darker Skinned Patients – A Prospective Study”. Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences1 (2018): 15.
9. Mondo PKS and Roses RF. “Effects of galvanic current on the treatment of atrophic stretch marks. Course completion work, University of Southern Santa Catarina-UNISUL, Tubarão-SC (2004).
10. Machado CM. “Practical electrothermotherapy”. 4^th rev. São Paulo: Nilobook (2008).
11. Bravim A., et al. “The use of electroacupuncture in atrophic stretch marks: a bibliographic review. Specialisation monograph in acupuncture”. Brasilia: Faculty of Education, Sciences and Technology-Unisaúde (2007).
12. Rebonato TA., et al. “Use of galvanic microcurrent in chronic atrophic stretch marks - case report”. The 17th EAIC's Anais (2009).
13. Costa CF., et al. “Use of microgalvanic current for the development of two protocols for the treatment of albasstriae”. Master's thesis. Federal Technological University of Paraná (2016).
14. Bitencourt S. “Treatment of albas stretch marks with galvanopuntura: beneficial for aesthetics, oxidative stress and lipid profile”. Porto Alegre. Dissertation [Master in Cell and Moleular Biology] – Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (2007).
15. Figueiredo SKS., et al. “Use of galvanotherapy in the regeneration of atrophic stretch marks: a pilot study on satisfaction with treatment”. Physiotherapy Brazil3 (2014): 207-213.
16. Silva ML., et al. “Analysis of the effects of the use of microgalvanopuncture and microneedling in the treatment of atrophic stretch marks”. Biomotive Magazine1 (2017): 49-63.
17. Almeida AZ., et al. “Comparative study of the treatment of atrophic stretch marks with galvanic microcurrent using scarification and pontution techniques. Article presented as a partial requirement to obtain the title of specialist in Physiotherapy Functional Dermato UCG/CEAFI”. Goiânia (2009).
18. Ferreira VJDS., et al. “Effect of microgalvanopuncture and cicatricure anti-stretch marks body cream on the treatment of atrophic stretch marks”. Magazine Inspirar Movimento and Saúde4 (2016): 44-50.