key: cord-0929101-sq0kfkir
authors: Ferreli, C.; Anedda, J.; Atzori, L.
title: Transient inflammation in surgical scars following Covid‐19 mRNA vaccination
date: 2022-03-29
journal: J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol
DOI: 10.1111/jdv.18088
sha: a68d7ea39bf059d15a57596b002eaaaa2a4c9a28
doc_id: 929101
cord_uid: sq0kfkir

nan

All patients had surgery to remove basal cell carcinomas, radically excised. Consulting the medical charts, the procedure required an internal absorbable vicryl suture in three patients, while in one patient, the reaction occurred before removal of the external suture (prolene). The site of vaccine injection was not affected with inflammatory changes, nor did the patients experience other general or bothersome symptoms. The inflammatory reaction on scars was treated with local mixed antibiotic-corticosteroid cream, resolving within 10-14 days, and left no sequelae. No further reactions occurred following the second dose of the vaccine. The cases were reported to the Italian Pharmacovigilance Authority.

Variable cutaneous reaction patterns have been associated with COVID-19 vaccination, including delayed type IV hypersensitivity reactions to dermal filler injections, inflammatory changes on previous radiation sites and old BCG scars reactivation. [1] [2] [3] [4] In our patients, the wound healing or remodelling phase of the surgical scars or the presence of residual suture materials might have stimulated some immunological mechanisms, similar to forms of hypersensitivity reactions. However, due to the self-healing, benign course of the reaction, no other invasive investigations were performed in our patients to clarify the pathogenesis. The observation is reported to the medical community to raise attention and collect further experiences or studies.

In conclusion, dermatologists are actively committed to supporting the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) and enhancing continuous safety monitoring. 5 The risk of inflammation at scar sites should be considered, and inform the patients that although it could be bothersome, it is usually a selflimiting event and not a reason to avoid vaccination. In our experience, the event did not recur at the following vaccination doses. 

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