Wickham's striae

System: Skin & Nail Signs · All skin & nail signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

A lacy, white network of fine lines visible on the surface of flat-topped purple bumps, or inside the cheeks.

What a positive finding suggests

Associated with lichen planus.

◈ Behind the name

Louis Frédéric Wickham (1861–1913), French dermatologist.

Browse the W section of the A–Z list or return to the Clinical Signs hub.

Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.