First Case Report of COVISHIELD Vaccine Induced Pityriasis Rosea-like Eruption Following Second Dose

Abstract

COVISHIELD vaccine, approved in India for restricted use in emergency situation is a recombinant, replication-deficient chimpanzee adenovirus vector vaccine. Various cutaneous adverse effects post-covishield vaccine have been reported so far. We report the case of a 36-year-old female, who presented with an itchy skin rash of 3 days duration over the trunk and bilateral upper limbs. On examination, there were multiple, small, violaceous papules with adherent scales, coalescing to form small plaques over the abdomen, back, bilateral arms, and thighs. She had received second dose of the covishield vaccine 8 days prior to the onset of the skin rash. Skin biopsy revealed hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, hypogranulosis, and spongiosis of the epidermis along with dermal lymphohistiocytic infiltrate, and mild interface dermatitis, consistent with pityriasis rosea-like eruption. She was managed with oral antihistamines and topical steroids. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of pityriasis rosea-like eruption following the second dose of the Covishield vaccine, reported from India.