People with skin diseases like psoriasis, vitiligo and lichen planus are most at risk for Koebner phenomenon. With this condition, new skin lesions that resemble the skin disease appear on your healthy skin. Injuries to your skin, like burns, wounds and even tattoos and piercings, can bring on these lesions. Treatments focus on managing your underlying skin disease.
Koebner phenomenon affects people with certain skin diseases, most often with psoriasis. Sometimes, it can happen to people with warts, vitiligo and lichen planus. An injury, wound or burn can cause new lesions that resemble the primary skin disease.
German physician Heinrich Koebner first described the phenomenon in 1876, now described as an isomorphic response. “Isomorphic” is Greek for equal shape. The new lesions look identical (or equal) to the original disease.
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Koebner phenomenon is most common in people with psoriasis. It’s not as common in people with warts, vitiligo and lichen planus, though it still occurs. It also affects people with other skin diseases.
Experts aren’t sure why some people experience Koebner phenomenon. It tends to affect people with autoimmune diseases like psoriasis.
In addition to psoriasis, other skin diseases linked to Koebner phenomenon include:
Any skin injury that penetrates your skin’s top layer (epidermis) and middle layer (dermis) may cause Koebner phenomenon, such as:
Symptoms of Koebner phenomenon vary depending on your underlying skin disease and whether the disease is active (what’s known as a flare-up). New skin lesions may appear within 10 to 20 days of a skin injury.
The new skin lesions:
Generally, there aren’t any complications associated with Koebner phenomenon.
A dermatologist evaluates and treats skin diseases like Koebner phenomenon. There isn’t a test for Koebner phenomenon. Your dermatologist makes the diagnosis based on appearance and history of prior skin diseases.
There isn’t a specific treatment for Koebner phenomenon. As the phenomenon is simply an extension of your primary skin disease, treatment is usually the same.
The best way to reduce your risk for Koebner phenomenon is to manage your primary disease. For example, if the phenomenon is due to psoriasis, find ways to manage your psoriasis symptoms. Additionally, you should minimize trauma to your skin whenever possible.
These steps may also help:
The outlook is generally good for people with Koebner phenomenon. The best thing you can do is treat any new lesions the same way you’d treat your primary skin disease. In addition, it’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s treatment recommendations. You should also take precautions to protect your skin from injuries.
Call your healthcare provider if you experience:
You may want to ask your healthcare provider:
A note from Cleveland Clinic
If you have psoriasis, vitiligo or lichen planus and notice new skin lesions forming on an area of injured skin, you may have Koebner phenomenon. These lesions resemble your primary skin disease and may appear weeks after an injury. A healthcare provider like a dermatologist can make an accurate diagnosis. Proper disease management of conditions like psoriasis may lower your risk of Koebner phenomenon. Still, lesions can form even when you don’t have disease symptoms. It’s important to protect your skin from wounds, burns and other damage.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/27/2022.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy