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Published on: October 12, 2012
Skin reaction to COVID-19 vaccine: A report of 4 cases
Mariabeatrice Bertolani1, Maria Beatrice de Felici Del Giudice1, Erminia Ridolo2
1Section of Dermatology, Department of Medicine and Surgery.
Abstract:
Since the beginning of the covid-vaccine campaign, a lot of local and systemic dermatologic reactions happening after the administration of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines have been described, even if their exact biological mechanism is still debated. In this paper we report 4 cases of cutaneous manifestations arose within ten days after the first dose of messenger RNA (mRNA)-based COVID-19 vaccination: one case of giant urticaria, one case of head and neck redness and two cases of Erythema Multiforme (EM). In our experience these reactions were mild, transient and all of them resolved, not recurring after the second dose, so these manifestations shouldn't be considered as an absolute contraindication to the second dose of vaccine, that to date is fundamental.
Insights
Mild skin reactions like giant urticaria and Erythema Multiforme (EM) can occur after the first dose of COVID-19 vaccines. These reactions are temporary and do not necessitate skipping the second vaccine dose.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Vaccinology
- Immunology
Background:
- Dermatologic reactions following COVID-19 vaccination are increasingly reported.
- The precise mechanisms underlying these cutaneous manifestations remain under investigation.
- Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based vaccines are associated with various local and systemic side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report cases of cutaneous reactions after mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccination.
- To assess the severity and recurrence of these skin manifestations after a second vaccine dose.
- To inform clinical practice regarding contraindications for subsequent vaccine administration.
Main Methods:
- Case series reporting four patients with skin reactions post-COVID-19 vaccination.
- Clinical observation of reactions occurring within ten days of the first vaccine dose.
- Monitoring for recurrence of dermatologic issues after the second vaccine dose.
Main Results:
- Four cases of cutaneous manifestations were observed: giant urticaria, head and neck erythema, and Erythema Multiforme (EM).
- All reported reactions were mild and transient.
- No recurrence of skin reactions was noted after the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Conclusions:
- Cutaneous reactions following mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccination can occur but are typically mild and self-limiting.
- These skin manifestations should not be considered an absolute contraindication for the second vaccine dose.
- Continued vaccination is crucial for public health, despite the possibility of transient dermatologic side effects.
