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Review
. 2022 Jan;21(1):4-12.
doi: 10.1111/jocd.14613. Epub 2021 Nov 17.

Cutaneous and Allergic reactions due to COVID-19 vaccinations: A review

Selami Aykut Temiz  1 , Ayman Abdelmaksoud  2 , Uwe Wollina  3 , Omer Kutlu  4 , Recep Dursun  5 , Anant Patil  6 , Torello Lotti  7   8 , Mohamad Goldust  9 , Michelangelo Vestita  10   11
Affiliations
Review

Cutaneous and Allergic reactions due to COVID-19 vaccinations: A review

Selami Aykut Temiz et al. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022 Jan.

Abstract

Introduction: The pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had an unprecedented impact on the overall health and the global economy. Vaccination is currently the most dependable strategy to end the pandemic, despite the slower-than-hoped-for rollout, particularly for low-to-middle-income countries, and the uncertain duration of protection afforded by vaccination. The spike protein of the virus (immunodominant antigen of the virus) is the main target of the approved and candidate SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. This protein binds to the ACE2 receptor of the host cell, initiating the entry of the virus into the cell and the chain of subsequent events ending to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. The safety profile of these vaccines needs is closely assessed.

Methods: This comprehensive review includes searching the PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases using the keywords "coronavirus", "COVID-19", "vaccine", "cutaneous reactions", "allergic reactions", and "SARS-CoV-2". Manual searching of reference lists of included articles augmented the research. The research was updated in June 2021.

Results: In this narrative review, we tried to investigate and discuss the cutaneous and allergic reactions related to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines currently available in the literature. As a result, although COVID-19 vaccines can be reported to develop allergic and anaphylactic reactions, especially after m-RNA vaccines, they remain at a low rate, and it is observed that these reactions may develop more frequently, especially in patients with previous allergies and mast cell disorders. Fortunately, these reactions are generally transient, benign, self-limited.

Conclusion: Although there is still no definitive evidence, as dermatologists, we must be aware of the possibility of cutaneous reactions, newly diagnosed dermatoses, or exacerbation of existing dermatoses that may develop after the COVID-19 vaccinations.

Keywords: BNT162b2; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; allergic reactions; cutaneous reactions; vaccination.

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Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
(A) CLL on the dorsal hands of a male patient. (B) Vaculitis on the extensors of both lower limb. (C) PR lesions on the trunk. (D) HZ on the hemi‐buttock of an elderly woman
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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