Final answer:
Koebner's phenomenon is the development of new skin lesions on unaffected skin due to trauma, commonly associated with conditions like psoriasis. The mechanism is not fully understood, but it involves skin trauma triggering the disease process in susceptible individuals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Koebner's phenomenon refers to the appearance of new skin lesions on previously unaffected skin of individuals with certain dermatoses, due to trauma or injury. This phenomenon is commonly seen in diseases such as psoriasis, vitiligo, and lichen planus. For example, a person with psoriasis may develop new psoriatic lesions at the site of a cut or scratch.
Though Koebner's phenomenon is widely recognized, the exact mechanism behind it remains unclear. It has been suggested that skin trauma leads to local inflammation or exposure of antigens that trigger the disease process in susceptible individuals. The phenomenon has been observed and reported in several studies, highlighting its prevalence in dermatological conditions.