Viruses, Variants, and Vaccines: How COVID-19 Has Changed the Way We Look at Skin

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to evaluate the spectrum of cutaneous reactions after both SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination while simultaneously understanding the evolution of the field of dermatology in the face of an ongoing pandemic. RECENT FINDINGS: The most commonly reported cutaneous reactions after COVID-19 infection in the literature to date include morbilliform or maculopapular rashes, chilblains, and urticaria. The incidence of cutaneous reactions after COVID-19 vaccination was 9% in larger cohort studies and more commonly occurred after mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines than adenovirus vector vaccines. The most frequently reported cutaneous reactions after COVID-19 vaccines were delayed large local reactions, local injection site reactions, urticarial eruptions, and morbilliform eruptions. SUMMARY: With the ongoing pandemic, and continued development of new COVID-19 variants and vaccines, the landscape of cutaneous reactions continues to rapidly evolve. Dermatologists have an important role in evaluating skin manifestations of the virus, as well as discussion and promoting COVID-19 vaccination for their patients.