Pityriasis Lichenoides Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection/Vaccination

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Pityriasis lichenoides (PL) is a spectrum of dermatological conditions with variable clinical presentations.
• Cases of PL following SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination have been anecdotally reported.
• A comprehensive review is needed to guide clinical management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and summarize reported cases of pityriasis lichenoides (PL) following SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination.
• To provide insights for clinicians regarding the diagnosis and management of PL in this context.

Main Methods:

• A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases was conducted.
• Articles reporting cases of PL associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection/vaccination were identified and reviewed.
• Data on patient demographics, clinical presentation, latency, and treatment outcomes were extracted.

Main Results:

• Fourteen cases of PL following SARS-CoV-2 infection/vaccination were identified across 13 articles.
• The majority of cases (64.3%) occurred post-vaccination, predominantly with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
• A temporal association was noted, with latency periods ranging from 5 days to 1 month; 85.7% of patients showed significant improvement or resolution.

Conclusions:

• A temporal association exists between pityriasis lichenoides (PL) and SARS-CoV-2 infection/vaccination, though causality is not established.
• The risk of developing PL post-SARS-CoV-2 infection/vaccination is likely very low.
• Clinicians should consider this potential association in diagnosis and management, offering reassurance due to favorable outcomes.