Koebner phenomenon


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Koeb·ner phe·nom·e·non

(keb'nĕr fĕ-nom'ĕ-non) Heightened susceptibility to the effects of trauma and chemical exposure in those with psoriasis, lichen planus, and other chronic dermatoses.

Koebner phenomenon

(kĕb′nēr) [Heinrich Koebner, Ger. dermatologist, 1838–1904] The appearance of a skin lesion as a result of nonspecific trauma (e.g., sunlight, burn, operative wound). It will appear at the trauma site and may be of a type found elsewhere on the skin. It may be seen in lichen planus or eczema but is particularly characteristic of psoriasis. The lesion must be sufficient to act on the papillary and epidermal layers of the skin and will appear in 3 to 18 days following the trauma.