context: For some people with psoriasis, even the tiniest pinprick or a bite from a mosquito can trigger plaques to appear in new places. Anytime your skin is hurt or irritated, you can get a new patch of psoriasis. Doctors call this reaction the Koebner phenomenon, and it happens to 1 out of 4 people who have psoriasis. Heinrich Koebner, a dermatologist from the 19th century, first defined the condition. Doctors sometimes call it âisomorphic responseâ or â Koebnerization." It happens most often in people with psoriasis, but it happens in other skin conditions, too, including warts and vitiligo. If you have active flares, you are more likely to have a Koebner response. But it can still happen even if you have never had plaques on your skin. Each reaction has its own pace. It takes about 10-20 days after a skin injury for plaques to show up. Sometimes it can take as long as 2 years. Doctors aren't sure what makes your skin respond to an injury with plaques. You can have a Koebner response from anything that changes your skin on the outside or the inside, including: Injuries such as animal bites, stings, burns, cuts, bumps, or rubbed skin Conditions like diaper rash, eczema, infection, scabies, warts, or dermatitis Allergic reactions or skin irritations Sunburn or radiation You can also trigger the condition when you get a tattoo, vaccinations, or acupuncture. Even everyday activities like shaving can cause a flare. The weather plays a role, too. It happens more often during cold winter months and less often in warm summer months. Koebner phenomenon plaques are just like regular psoriasis flare-ups. They can be: Raised Red Scaly Itchy or painful They can also crack and bleed. In most cases, worse injuries mean more plaques. Unlike regular psoriasis flares that show up on knees, elbows, the scalp, and the lower back, Koebner phenomenon plaques can happen anywhere your skin has been hurt. This is the idea some scientists have that an injury can also trigger psoriatic arthritis. With this type of Koebner response if you already have psoriasis and you injure a bone or joint, you're 30% more likely to get psoriatic arthritis in that spot. As soon as you see new plaques show up after a skin injury, tell your doctor. She can add this information to your treatment plan. Knowing what triggers your psoriasis can help you avoid flares in the future. Koebner phenomenon plaques get the same treatment as your regular psoriasis plaques. There are many options, including: An ointment, lotion, or cream. You can get them over the counter and by prescription. Some have steroids and some don't. Prescription medicines come as a pill, liquid, or shot. Some tamp down inflammation. Others work on your immune system. Light therapy. Your doctor may recommend a device that gives you exposure to UV light on a regular basis to slow down the growth of your psoriasis. Psoriasis treatments work differently for different people. Your doctor can help you find the one that works best for you. The best way to keep it at bay is to take the same precautions you usually do with psoriasis: Take care of your skin and follow psoriasis treatment Clean and cover any wounds to prevent infection Try not to scratch psoriasis plaques Protect you skin from the sun Tell your doctor if any new medications make your psoriasis worse Keep stress under control Stop smoking Skip alcohol