Linear focal elastosis (LFE), also known as elastotic striae, is an abnormality of elastic tissue that presents with palpable, indurated, or atrophic linear plaques that have a yellowish hue. Lesions are asymptomatic and tend to develop on the middle or lower back, upper and lower extremities, and breasts.

This condition predominates in men, usually elderly men, on their backs. However, reports of cases occurring in younger individuals point to the possibility that LFE is more common in younger populations than previously thought.

The pathogenesis of LFE is unknown. Various theories have been proposed, including that LFE represents a degenerative or regenerative process of striae distensae or that the condition may represent a nevoid or hamartomatous condition of degenerative or regenerative processes occurring in elastic fibers. It is not uncommon for lesions of LFE to occur in association with striae distensae. In such cases, blunt trauma, growth spurt, weight loss, pregnancy, rigorous exercise routine, and potent topical steroid application are reported as trigger factors.

Four cases of LFE with a positive family history have been reported thus far; however, the involvement of genetic factors is still unclear.