Generalized erythrodermic psoriasis triggered by vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2

Dermatol Ther. 2022 Jun;35(6):e15464. doi: 10.1111/dth.15464. Epub 2022 Mar 27.

Abstract

Generalized erythrodermic psoriasis (GEP) is a rare and potentially life-threatening variant of psoriasis. Possible triggers that have been identified to date include poorly controlled psoriasis, medications, abrupt discontinuation of anti-psoriatic treatment, and underlying systemic illnesses. However, vaccines have rarely been reported to exacerbate GEP. Herein, we report two unique cases with GEP exacerbated following a dose of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine for COVID-19 (as their second dose, the first being the mRNA-1273 vaccine). Based on our observations and a literature review, vaccination was considered the most likely trigger of GEP due to the close temporal relationship between the second vaccination and the onset of GEP.

Keywords: BNT162b2 vaccine; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2 vaccination; generalized erythrodermic psoriasis; mRNA-1273 vaccine.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • 2019-nCoV Vaccine mRNA-1273
  • BNT162 Vaccine* / adverse effects
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Psoriasis* / chemically induced
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Vaccination / adverse effects

Substances

  • 2019-nCoV Vaccine mRNA-1273
  • BNT162 Vaccine