Wickham's striae are characteristic of which oral condition?

• A. Candidiasis
• B. Aphthous ulcer
• C. Leukoplakia
• D. Lichen planus

Answer: (D)

Wickham's striae are the fine, lace-like white lines seen on oral mucosa, most classically in lichen planus. They come from changes in the epithelium that create a reticular network, often visible on the buccal mucosa or tongue. This lace pattern is a distinctive clue for lichen planus and helps distinguish it from other white oral lesions. For comparison, candidiasis tends to form white plaques that can be scraped off, aphthous ulcers present as painful ulcers with an erythematous halo, and leukoplakia is a white patch that cannot be rubbed off and lacks the characteristic lacework.