Vaccinating with a COVID-19 Vaccine: Experience of the Tertiary Allergology Center

Background: Allergic reactions after messenger RNA (mRNA)-based COVID-19 vaccines have been reported but detailed descriptions and further actions are not well characterized. Objective: To describe the symptoms of possible allergic reactions after the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine and outcomes of further vaccination. Methods: We descriptively analyzed data of adult (≥18 years of age) patients, who were sent for vaccination to our outpatient center for the Diagnostics and Treatment of Allergic and Immune diseases. All patients were vaccinated with the Pfizer–BioNTech Comirnaty® vaccine.Results: From January 2021 to July 2021 twenty-two patients were vaccinated in our center. Six patients experienced a reaction after the first Comirnaty® dose in different vaccination centers. The majority of them complained of various types of rashes after the first dose, one case was consistent with anaphylaxis. The latter patient was tested with the skin prick using Pfizer–BioNTech Comirnaty® vaccine and the test was negative. Other sixteen patients were vaccinated in our center from the first dose because of past allergic reactions to other medication or due to concomitant mast cell disorder. All patients were vaccinated without any immediate adverse reactions.Conclusions: None of our patients experienced repeated cutaneous reactions after the second dose. Patients with previous anaphylaxis or mastocytosis also were safely vaccinated.

Tattoos Dermatological Complications: Analysis of 53 Cases from Northern Poland

<b><i>Background:</i></b> The frequency of tattoos varies from 10% to 30% across the population worldwide. The growing popularity of tattooing increases the number of cutaneous reactions connected with this procedure. As we have not found any previous studies in the literature concerning tattoo complications in Poland and other Eastern European countries, we believe this to be the first study of this kind. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical spectrum of complications associated with the procedure of permanent tattooing among patients from Northern Poland. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Medical data of 53 patients who developed tattoo-related cutaneous conditions were analyzed. All of the patients were consulted in the Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology Clinic in Gdańsk in the years 2018–2021. Medical history, dermatological assessment, and photographic documentation of skin lesions were performed in each case. Dermoscopic examination was carried out in 16 cases and 20 skin biopsies of the tattoo reactions were performed. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Twenty-one patients (40%) presented tattoo ink hypersensitivity reactions, out of which 18 were triggered by the red ink. In 11 cases (21%), contact dermatitis has developed after tattooing, while 9 of the patients (17%) presented tattoo infectious complications, including local bacterial infections, common warts, molluscum contagiosum, and demodicosis. We collected 8 cases (15%) of papulonodular reactions in black tattoos, and in 6 of them, histology showed granuloma formation. In 2 cases (4%), symptoms of anaphylaxis were observed after the tattooing procedure, and in another 2 cases (4%), Koebner phenomenon in the tattoo was diagnosed. Dermoscopy was the clue to the diagnosis in 4 cases. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> This is the first report presenting multiple cases of tattoo complications from Eastern Europe. The results of the study are consistent with other researches, showing a similar distribution of tattoo complications and that across the different pigments used, the red ink is most frequently responsible for tattoo reactions. We emphasize the usefulness of dermoscopic examination in the diagnosis of tattoo-related infections and draw the reader’s attention to the rare, yet hazardous complications connected with peri-tattooing anaphylaxis.

COVID-19 vaccine-related new-onset lichen planus

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines had a great impact on world health and well-being. However, various adverse events have been observed following COVID-19 vaccination. Cutaneous reactions have been prevalent following many vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines. Here, we present a case of new-onset lichen planus in a COVID-19 patient.

Microsponge : An Overview

Microsponges are a revolutionary way of medication administration that has a number of advantages. The Microsponges drug delivery system is used to increase the performance of medications that are delivered orally, parenterally, or topically in a variety of conditions. Microsponge is a new technology for controlling medication release and delivering drugs to precise targets. Microsponge technology has been used in topical medicinal solutions to allow for regulated active drug release into the skin, lowering systemic exposure and reducing local cutaneous reactions to active pharmaceuticals. This review discusses the preparation procedures, evaluation methodologies, drug release mechanism, and physical characterization of Microsponges in relation to a Microsponges delivery system. Microsponges are used to deliver a pharmaceutical active component at a low dose while simultaneously improving stability, reducing adverse effects, and modifying drug release.

Herpes zoster infection following mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis

Since the severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic outbreak, vaccines gained a growing role. Possible vaccine-related side effects range from minor local events to more prominent systemic manifestations up to anaphylactic reactions. A heterogeneous spectrum of cutaneous reactions has been reported, ranging from local injection site reactions to urticarial and morbilliform eruptions, pernio/chilblains and zoster flares. Here, we describe a case of varicella zoster virus reactivation following mRNA coronavirus 2019 vaccine and discuss the available literature upon the topic published so far.

Selection of psychotropics in dermatologic practice

There is an increased prevalence of psychiatric symptoms in dermatologic disorders. However, these are often underrecognized and undertreated contributing to suboptimal adherence and therapeutic outcomes. A working knowledge of psychotropic medications and their use in dermatology is essential for comprehensive management of psychodermatological conditions. The present review provides a framework for use of psychotropic agents in dermatological settings and is intended to serve as a ready reckoner for the dermatologist. We initially review the general considerations involved in prescribing psychotropic agents in skin conditions. Next, we discuss individual classes of psychotropic agents such as anti-depressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and anxiolytics focusing on preferred agents while prescribing. Finally, we discuss the common adverse cutaneous reactions reported with psychotropic agents.