Lichen planus commonly involves which mucosal surface with Wickham striae?

Lichen planus commonly involves which mucosal surface with Wickham striae?

• A. Nail involvement
• B. Oral mucosa with Wickham striae
• C. Vaginal mucosa
• D. Conjunctival mucosa

Answer: (B)

Wickham striae are the fine, lace-like white lines most characteristic of lichen planus on mucous membranes, and they are classically seen on the oral mucosa. The buccal mucosa is the site most commonly involved, where the reticular network of white lines arises from the underlying histologic pattern of lichen planus (hyperkeratosis with a saw-tooth lymphocytic interface). This makes the oral mucosa the mucosal surface where Wickham striae are most readily recognized and most typically described in this condition. Other mucosal sites can be affected, but the prominent, diagnostic white striae point to the oral mucosa.

Wickham striae are the fine, lace-like white lines most characteristic of lichen planus on mucous membranes, and they are classically seen on the oral mucosa. The buccal mucosa is the site most commonly involved, where the reticular network of white lines arises from the underlying histologic pattern of lichen planus (hyperkeratosis with a saw-tooth lymphocytic interface). This makes the oral mucosa the mucosal surface where Wickham striae are most readily recognized and most typically described in this condition. Other mucosal sites can be affected, but the prominent, diagnostic white striae point to the oral mucosa.