Koebner phenomenon

Last reviewed 01/2018

This refers to the development of a skin lesion on a site of injury or trauma such as a scratch or an operation scar.

It occurs in many conditions:

  • psoriasis:
    • 24-51% of cases depending on the type of cutaneous injury
    • highest incidence seen in patients with severe psoriasis

  • lichen planus
  • molluscum contagiosum
  • viral warts
  • vitiligo