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. 2023 Apr 17;12(4):800. doi: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1792_22

Exacerbation of psoriasis after post-COVID-19 vaccine reported in a young female

Mayur Wanjari 1,, Vaishnavi Kantode 2
PMCID: PMC10259548  PMID: 37312791

Dear editor,

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory cutaneous disease triggered by drugs, stress, physical trauma, or vaccination.[1] Vaccines may trigger psoriasis aggravation, leading to a lower rate of influenza vaccination in psoriasis patients. Vaccines against influenza, B, C, G, tetanus-diphtheria, and pneumococcal polysaccharides have all been linked to “psoriasis vaccines.” Patients may arrive with widespread severe psoriasis or with newly developed guttate psoriasis. Coronavirus (COVID-19) immunizations have recently been associated with psoriasis exacerbation.[2]

The presentation here is a patient with red, itchy, scaly patches on the knee, elbow, trunk, and scalp for eight days. He received vaccination 16 days before symptoms. The patient has no history of substance abuse like tobacco, and no positive family history was present. Itchy, scaly patches are seen on the patient’s legs on physical examination. A skin biopsy was performed by removing a tiny piece of skin, and a skin sample was examined under a microscope to take the sign of psoriasis. After undergoing a thorough physical examination and skin biopsy suggestive of psoriasis.

The patient was managed with medical management, steroids, vitamin A derivative, anti-inflammatory, and immunosuppressive drugs. On the patient’s one-week follow-up, the patient’s itching is reduced, and the patient’s scaly patches are not increased in size.

Our responsibility is to dispel erroneous or exaggerated reports of COVID-19 vaccination dangers. Further research study could be vital. It is commonly acknowledged that vaccination benefits outweigh the risk and must be mindful of linking adverse outcomes to vaccination, anticipate patient queries, and findings should not be overstated.[3]

Key point

Exacerbation of psoriasis after post-COVID-19 vaccine is a significant problem. Need to prescreen for the vaccination that can prevent such diseases.

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

References

  • 1.Kamiya K, Kishimoto M, Sugai J, Komine M, Ohtsuki M. Risk factors for the development of psoriasis. Int J Mol Sci. 2019;20:4347. doi: 10.3390/ijms20184347. doi:10.3390/ijms20184347. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 2.Gunes AT, Fetil E, Akarsu S, Ozbagcivan O, Babayeva L. Possible triggering effect of influenza vaccination on psoriasis. J Immunol Res. 2015;2015:e258430. doi: 10.1155/2015/258430. doi:10.1155/2015/258430. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 3.Shi CR, Nambudiri VE. Widespread psoriasis flare following influenza vaccination. Vaccine. 2017;35:4785–6. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.06.067. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

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