KOEBNER’S PHENOMENON PSORIASIS

 The “Koebner phenomenon” was named after Dr. Koebner who in the 19th century observed that a patient developed new psoriasis lesions in areas where his horse bit him. One may observe a new psoriasis flare within  10 to 14 days following an injury to the skin. A Koebner phenomenon has been observed in approximately half of all psoriasis patients, but may also occur with eczema, or dermatitis. In some cases shaving or even the adhesive from a band aid can result in Koebner’s phenomenon.

Defining Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a non-contagious disorder which affects the skin. As a result, symptoms including itchy, scaly red patches appear, often on the elbows, hands, feet, and scalp, but they can show up on other parts of your body. Usually, what happens is new skin cells take about a month or so to move from the deepest skin layer where they're produced, to the surface where they die and flake off. With psoriasis, the entire skin cell life cycle takes only days.

Individuals with psoriasis experience skin conditions such as itching, cracking, stinging, burning, or bleeding. These symptoms are usually worse in the winter months due to the lack of sunlight and low indoor humidity. The skin is most likely to crack at the joints where the body bends or in areas where the individual fails to refrain from scratching. Scratching can also lead to bleeding and infection, which is why it should be avoided at all costs. This skin condition has also been known to affect fingernails and toe nails by causing pits or dents in them. There is also the possibility that the soft tissue inside the mouth and genitalia can be affected. In some cases, individuals experience joint inflammation, which can lead to the development of arthritis symptoms. This condition is known as psoriatic arthritis.

There are many beliefs as to what causes psoriasis. Although no one knows for sure, many scientists believe that a biochemical stimulus triggers the abnormally high skin growth, which in turn causes the symptoms of skin lesions. Heredity also plays a role in the development of psoriasis symptoms. Individuals who have a family member with a severe case of psoriasis tend to experience early onset of the disease. Recent research studies indicate that psoriasis may be a disorder of the immune system. The T cell, a white blood cell, normally works to fight off infection and disease. Scientists believe that having an abnormal immune system causes abnormal activity by T cells in the skin. These abnormally active T cells cause skin inflammation and increased cell production. Diet and vitamin influences have also been thought to play a role in psoriasis development and progression.