Clinicopathological characteristics of cutaneous complications following COVID-19 vaccination: A case series

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024 Mar;23(3):725-730. doi: 10.1111/jocd.16042. Epub 2023 Oct 29.

Abstract

Introduction: Several vaccine-related cutaneous adverse events occurred following the widespread use of vaccines to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This case series reports 25 patients with de novo or accentuated dermatologic conditions after receiving the Sinopharm, Sputnik V, AstraZeneca, or BIV1-CovIran vaccine in Iran.

Methods and results: Twenty-five eligible patients with a mean age of 46.80 years were investigated. The cutaneous adverse events included pityriasis rosea, zoster, viral exanthema, urticaria, bullous pemphigoid, pemphigus vulgaris, and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis. The manifestations appeared 14.45 ± 6.98 and 20.79 ± 22.18 days following injection of the first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccines, respectively. All patients experienced new cases of cutaneous disease other than two who developed flare-ups of lichen planus and psoriasis.

Conclusion: Several cutaneous reactions, ranging from allergic events to skin diseases, have been reported following the injection of COVID-19 vaccines. Focal injection-site reactions are the most common cutaneous adverse events; however, de-novo skin diseases and a flare-up of preexisting cutaneous disorders have also been described. Although many cases of COVID-19 vaccine-related cutaneous diseases have been published, our zoster/lichen planus and AGEP cases after vaccination are interesting. A more detailed understanding of cutaneous adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination will facilitate better diagnosis and management.

Keywords: COVID-19; adverse events; complication; pathology; vaccine.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis*
  • COVID-19 Vaccines* / adverse effects
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Herpes Zoster*
  • Humans
  • Lichen Planus*
  • Middle Aged
  • Vaccination / adverse effects

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines