Koebner's phenomenon in systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Koebner phenomenon is defined as a nonspecific skin stimulus eliciting a disease skin reaction. The nature of the skin trauma varies greatly and includes areas of thermal injury, excoriations, surgical incisions, and scars. We report a patient with recent onset of systemic lupus erythematosus who developed Herpes zoster on immunosuppressant medication. Two weeks after resolution of the vesicles, the patient presented with new ulcerative reddish lesions over the herpes zoster scare and worsening of her malar rash without evidence of worsening of any other organ. Koebner phenomenon was suspected. We review the literature on Koebner phenomenon in SLE.