Wickham's Web: A Case Report Unraveling the Mysteries of Reticular Oral Lichen Planus with Clinical Insights and Literature Synthesis

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a common chronic immunological inflammatory mucocutaneous disorder that varies in appearance from keratotic to erythematous and ulcerative. The estimated prevalence of OLP in the general adult population is 0.5 to 2%. The reported female/male sex ratio is 2:1, and the age of onset is generally between 30 and 60 years. The reticular lesions, the most recognized form of OLP, appear as multiple papules with a network of small, raised, whitish–gray, lacy lesions referred to as Wickham striae. Approximately two-thirds of the patients affected with OLP experience some degree of oral discomfort. This case report, accompanied by a comprehensive literature review, contributes valuable insights to the current understanding of OLP.