Koebner Phenomenon
Pronunciation: KEB-ner (or KURB-ner with umlaut)
The development of skin lesions characteristic of a pre-existing dermatosis at sites of cutaneous trauma or injury.
Full Definition
The Koebner phenomenon (also spelled 'Köbner phenomenon') describes the isomorphic response in which trauma to uninvolved skin triggers new lesions of an existing skin disease at that site. It is classically associated with psoriasis, lichen planus, and vitiligo. Editors must be aware of the variant spelling with an umlaut ('Köbner'), which reflects the German eponym; many English-language journals drop the umlaut and both forms are acceptable if consistent. The phenomenon should not be confused with the 'pseudo-Koebner phenomenon,' which involves colonisation of traumatised skin by an infectious organism such as a wart virus. The term is typically capitalised as a proper eponym.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalise 'Koebner' as an eponym. Check house style for umlaut retention ('Köbner'). Do not confuse with 'pathergy' (an exaggerated skin response seen in Behçet disease) or 'pseudo-Koebner phenomenon.'
In Context
- "New psoriatic plaques appeared along the surgical scar, consistent with the Koebner phenomenon." — Dermatology case report
- "Authors should capitalise 'Koebner' as a proper eponym; check whether the journal style retains or drops the umlaut." — Copy-editing style note