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Skin Glossary · Distinguishing between conditions and causes

Koebner Phenomenon

Related expressions · Same lesions appearing at the site of an injury

The Koebner phenomenon refers to the development of lesions from an existing condition, such as psoriasis, along the site of a skin injury. It does not refer to all scratch marks or scars.

Reviewed by Korean Medicine Doctor Choi Yeon-seung · Last updated 2026-08-25
01

What is the Koebner phenomenon?

It is a phenomenon where new lesions, identical to an existing skin condition, appear at sites of scratches, friction, or injury. The Koebner phenomenon refers to the development of lesions from existing conditions, such as psoriasis, along the site of skin injury. It does not refer to all scratches or scars.

02

How is it different from similar conditions?

It must be distinguished from inflammation or infection of the wound itself.

03

Why is this important in skin care?

It is used to describe the progression of lesions appearing after friction and skin damage in psoriasis.

04

What should be checked based on my symptoms?

While reducing skin irritation, appropriate treatment for the inflammation of the existing condition and the new lesions is continued together.

Related conditions and medical guidance

Check guides where this term is used

Condition GuidancePsoriasisCommon symptoms of psoriasis include thick, raised inflammatory plaques and silvery-white scales on the scalp, elbows, knees, torso, palms, and soles. The skin may feel itchy, burning, stinging, or tight, and may crack dryly and bleed. Depending on the type, it may appear as small droplet-shaped skin changes, smooth rashes in skin folds, pustular skin changes on the hands and feet, or severe redness and scaling across the entire body. This may be accompanied by small pits, thickening, or crumbling of the fingernails and toenails, as well as joint pain, swelling, morning stiffness, and heel pain. If the entire body suddenly turns red, or if pustular skin changes occur with fever and a worsening general condition, seek prompt medical evaluation.Condition GuidanceGuttate PsoriasisGuttate psoriasis is a type of psoriasis where many small pink or red scaly papules suddenly appear on the torso and limbs, rather than large plaques. It may start after an infection such as a sore throat and can resemble pityriasis rosea, drug eruptions, or tinea. The presence of a large primary plaque, medications taken, ring-shaped active borders, existing psoriasis, and family history are checked together.Medical Evaluation GuidePrepare for your visit with skin photos, symptoms, and medications usedRather than a single photo, please prepare a chronological record of the date the symptoms first appeared, the timing of when they disappear and reappear, itching and pain, and the medications used and your reactions to them. It is helpful for the medical evaluation to take photos of the same area from the same distance during both normal states and when symptoms are most severe.

Comparison of similar terms

Terms to know for easier distinction

Evidence and Update Information

The definitions and safety standards in the materials below were referenced.

  1. NIAMS Psoriasis GuideThe chronic course of psoriasis, scaly plaques, and accompanying symptoms have been confirmed.
Summary and review information for this page

Reviewing Medical Staff

Choi Yeon-seung, Doctor of Korean MedicineChief Director · Editor of Korean Medicine Atlas · BRC Researcher

Page Summary

The Koebner phenomenon refers to the development of lesions from an existing condition, such as psoriasis, along the site of a skin injury. It does not refer to all scratch marks or scars.

What this page covers

What is explained
In the statement "The Koebner phenomenon refers to the development of lesions from existing conditions, such as psoriasis, along the site of skin injury. It does not refer to all scratches or scars," what should be checked first?
What situations are covered
The Koebner phenomenon refers to the development of lesions from existing conditions, such as psoriasis, along the site of skin injury.
What distinctions are made
Meaning of the Koebner phenomenon: A phenomenon where new lesions, identical to an existing skin condition, appear at sites of scratches, friction, or injury.
How should this be understood
It does not refer to all scratches or scars.

Key Points

  • Meaning of the Koebner phenomenon: A phenomenon where new lesions, identical to an existing skin condition, appear at sites of scratches, friction, or injury.
  • Difference from similar terms: It must be distinguished from inflammation or infection of the wound itself.
  • Reason for checking during medical evaluation: It is used to describe the progression of lesions appearing after friction and skin damage in psoriasis.

References cited on this page

Skin Terminology Glossary

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