diff --git a/resources/common/typography.less b/resources/common/typography.less
index e03fa6f5d..6f10e1118 100644
--- a/resources/common/typography.less
+++ b/resources/common/typography.less
@@ -136,11 +136,10 @@ pre,
 }
 
 // External links
-.mw-parser-output {
-	.external {
-		background-image: url( images/external-link-ltr-icon.svg );
-		background-position: center right;
-		background-repeat: no-repeat;
-		padding-right: 13px;
-	}
+// Use of `a` element selector due to its widespread usage and for limiting generic class scope.
+.mw-parser-output a.external {
+	background-image: url( images/external-link-ltr-icon.svg );
+	background-position: center right;
+	background-repeat: no-repeat;
+	padding-right: 13px;
 }