Reactivation of Herpes Zoster Virus After COVID-19 Vaccination: Is There Any Association?

SARS-CoV-2 disease, COVID-19 infection, is a multi-system illness that has afflicted people all over the world. A number of vaccines have been produced to combat the current COVID-19 pandemic, and a variety of side effects have been recorded following the vaccination. However, there are limited data on the negative effects of immunological reactivation following vaccination. We report 10 incidences of herpes zoster reactivation within 7-21 days of getting the COVID-19 vaccination. Transient immunomodulation following vaccination, similar to that seen in COVID-19 illness, could be one explanation for this reactivation. These cases highlight the significance of continuing to examine vaccine safety during the COVID-19 pandemic's ongoing mass vaccination campaign. We also underline the importance of peripheral health professionals in the management and reporting of any vaccination-associated adverse event.

Pattern of Papulosquamous Disorders in Children: A Clinico-Epidemiological Study.

Introduction Skin disorders are a major health problem in the pediatric age group and are associated with significant morbidity. Papulosquamous disorders, forming a major part of the skin diseases in children, present in a variety of clinical pattern. This study is conducted in order to study the hospital-based prevalence of papulosquamous disorders in the pediatric age group (2-14 years) and to determine the morphology and clinical patterns with respect to their age and sex distribution. Methodology An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from December 1, 2019, to May 30, 2021, in the outpatient department of the Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology, JK Hospital and LN Medical College, Bhopal, India. Ninety-five consecutive patients belonging to the age group of 2-14 years, attending the Dermatology OPD and also referred cases from the Pediatrics Department were enrolled in the study. A detailed history of illness, regarding age, duration, onset, symptoms, recurrence, family history of the disease, pre-existing medical conditions, and drug intake history was taken. Information regarding the history of fever, sore throat, and vaccination was noted. Clinical and dermatological examination including hair, nail, and mucosal examination was done for all the cases. Necessary investigations were ordered for relevant cases and the data was recorded in a form specially designed for the study. Results In the present study, papulosquamous disorders constituted 2.9% of all pediatric (2-14 years) dermatosis. Of the various papulosquamous disorders found, psoriasis was the most common disease that was found (in 31.6%) followed by Gianotti-Crosti syndrome (18.9%), and lichen planus (18.9%). Males outnumbered females with a ratio of 1.48:1. The incidence of papulosquamous disorders was highest in 11-14 years of age in the present study. Conclusion Papulosquamous disorders account for a large number of the overall dermatoses, belonging to both the adult and pediatric populations. Due to significant changes in clinical presentation, geographical and environmental influences, treatment, and prognosis; the papulosquamous group of disorders in children require a varying approach than adult dermatoses. More studies are required in this field to appropriately diagnose and manage pediatric papulosquamous disorders in order to reduce the disease burden and as a key to better patient care.

Clinical Spectrum of Autoerythrocyte Sensitization Syndrome: A Series of Five Cases.

Autoerythrocyte sensitization syndrome (Gardner Diamond syndrome or GDS) is a rare syndrome characterized by painful and spontaneous purpura commonly affecting adult women, and is mostly associated with psychiatric illness. Diagnosis is mainly based on clinical presentation, exclusion of other simulating diseases, and psychiatric evaluation. Only few cases have been reported till date. We report five cases of spontaneous purpura with a normal investigation profile, except for iron deficiency anemia in 1 patient, of which three had associated underlying psychiatric illness. Autoerythrocyte sensitization test was positive in all our cases. Patients presenting with painful bruises without significant medical history such as underlying bleeding disorder or drug history or history of trauma should be considered for autoerythrocyte sensitization syndrome, and managed accordingly. The present study is a case series of patients with characteristic features of autoerythrocyte sensitization syndrome, considering the rarity of the reports on its clinical spectra.