New onset of psoriasis following COVID-19 vaccination

Abstract

The cutaneous side effects of COVID-19 vaccines are being studied and their immunogenicity is most likely linked to the pathophysiology of psoriasis. Although uncommon, several cases of exacerbation and new onset of psoriasis have been reported globally after vaccination. To contribute to the literature on this intriguing topic, we present three cases of de novo psoriasis in adult patients following COVID-19 vaccination. Our observations and a literature review show that this occurrence is independent of the type and brand of vaccines.

Keywords: AZD1222 vaccine; BNT162b2 vaccine; COVID-19 vaccination; mRNA-1273 vaccine; new-onset psoriasis.

FIGURE 1

Patient 1: numerous small blanchable erythematous demarcated papules and plaques with silvery‐white dry scaling were found in both legs, and hands, with onycholysis and subungual hyperkeratosis in some nails (A, B). Patient 2: erythematous demarcated papules and plaques and scaling on trunk and extremities with mild onycholysis (C, D). Patient 3: well‐defined erythematous papules and plaques with white dry scaling over body without nail involvement (E, F).