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Case Reports
. 2025 Aug 18;17(8):e90439.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.90439. eCollection 2025 Aug.

Koebnerization in Vasculitis: An Unusual Clinical Observation

Demita Nambam  1 , Ranjeeta Sapam  1 , Gurumayum Chitralekha Devi  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Koebnerization in Vasculitis: An Unusual Clinical Observation

Demita Nambam et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Koebner's phenomenon (KP) refers to the development of isomorphic lesions of an existing dermatosis in otherwise uninvolved skin following trauma. While this response is well-established in conditions like psoriasis, lichen planus, and vitiligo, its occurrence in cutaneous vasculitis is exceedingly rare, with few reported cases. The authors present a rare case of a 47-year-old female with drug-induced vasculitis showing koebnerization, highlighting trauma as a potential exacerbating factor in vasculitic dermatoses. Trauma-induced vascular inflammation, immune complex deposition, or local cytokine release may be implicated in this unusual presentation.

Keywords: drug induced vasculitis; isomorphic response; koebner’s phenomenon; leukocytoclastic vasculitis; small vessel vasculitis; trauma-induced lesions.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Informed consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Discrete to coalescent, non-blanchable, purpuric papules to plaques distributed almost bilaterally symmetrically on the trunk and upper and lower extremities
Figure 2
Figure 2. Purpuric papules in a linear configuration with excoriation
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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