Varied skin reactions after COVID-19 vaccination

Abstract

Abstract Linked Article: Català et al. Br J Dermatol 2022; 186:142–152. COVID-19 vaccination has been associated with skin reactions in clinical trials. The most frequent was the so-called ‘COVID arm’, consisting of redness, swelling and pain at the injection site in the arm. After approval and during mass vaccination, other rashes beyond the injection site have been reported but have been poorly described. The researchers, working with dermatologists across Spain using an online survey, collected information about 405 rashes occurring within 21 days after any dose of any COVID-19 vaccine approved at the time of the study (Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca). All the skin reactions were described and classified by agreement between the authors and with the help of pictures. The results have shown that rashes after these vaccines are varied and more frequent in women. The most observed skin reaction was ‘COVID arm’, which occurs especially after the Moderna vaccine and was the reaction most often associated with general symptoms. In addition, other more extensive rashes were described that were usually itchy and consisted of wheals (urticaria), small red bumps or blisters, red scaly patches, measles-like rashes or purple lesions. In addition, there were reactivations of herpetic infections (mainly shingles), especially after the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. The most described skin reaction after the AstraZeneca vaccine was wheals. Most of these rashes were mild, required treatment with antihistamines and/or corticosteroids, and resolved on average within 12 days. This study may help healthcare workers to recognize these rashes better and to be able to advise and reassure the population during mass vaccination campaigns against COVID-19. Linked Article: Català et al. Br J Dermatol 2022; 186:142–152.