Causes of Striae over the abdomen

Striae is due to stretching of the abdominal wall that is severe enough to cause rupture of the elastic fibres in the skin and produces pink linear marks with a wrinkled appearance indicates recent change in the size of abdomen.

Striae types:
White striae or striae albicans  is seen in 

• Obese persons who lost weight suddenly
• Following pregnancy 
• Relieving ascites

Purple striae usually represent the rupture of subepidermal connective tissue seen in

• Recent or past abdominal distension
• Cushing's syndrome
• Prolonged steroid therapy

Broad silvery lines (striae gravidarum) are seen after repeated pregnancies.