New-Onset and Exacerbation of Psoriasis following COVID-19 Vaccination: A Systematic Review of Case Reports and Case Series

• Published in: Indian journal of dermatology Vol. 68; no. 6; p. 724
• Main Authors: Arifin, Aisyah N F, Hengky, Antoninus, Widjaja, Maureen, Wijaya, Lorettha
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India Medknow Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd 01-11-2023; Wolters Kluwer - Medknow
• Subjects: Coronaviruses; COVID-19 vaccines; E–IJD; Immunization; Original; Psoriasis; COVID-19 vaccination; COVID-19 vaccine; psoriasis
• ISSN: 0019-5154; 1998-3611
• DOI: 10.4103/ijd.ijd_833_22

Although uncommon, several cases of new-onset and exacerbation of psoriasis have been reported after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination. This study aims to systematically review reports regarding new-onset and exacerbation of psoriasis to identify features related to that condition following COVID-19 vaccination.
Three databases were utilised, namely, PubMed, Google Scholar, and EBSCOHost to search for literature published until June 2022. We used the following MeSH terms: "psoriasis," "exacerbation," "induced psoriasis," and "COVID-19 vaccination." The included literature must report the case/(s) of psoriasis exacerbation in previously-in-remission or induced psoriasis in individuals receiving any dose of COVID-19 vaccines regardless of the type.
Among 33 selected studies, an overall mean age was 57.52 ± 15.92 years. Female (
= 40; 54.8%) was more frequently reported than male (
= 33; 45.2%). In terms of vaccine types, Pfizer is the most commonly reported (49 cases; 67.1%), followed by Astra-Zeneca (13 cases; 17.8%), Moderna (10 cases; 13.7%), and CoronaVac (1 case; 1.4%). The onset of psoriasis after receiving the COVID-19 Vaccines was varied, ranging from 1 to 90 days (Mean ± SD: 15.75 ± 18.22). Plaque psoriasis was most commonly reported, followed by pustular, guttate and other types of psoriasis. Reported cases were frequently treated with topical steroids and monoclonal antibodies monotherapy.
Although the cases of new-onset and exacerbation of psoriasis after COVID-19 vaccination is quite scarce, the possibility of occurrence should be acknowledged and managed properly; and patients should be informed, particularly ones with history of psoriasis without discouraging patients to take vaccine.