Lichen planus triggered by COVID-19 vaccination: A case series

Abstract

Lichen planus, an autoimmune inflammatory condition, has been linked to medications, vaccinations, and infections. Several clinical studies have shown that majority of vaccines trigger a Th1 response, which raises the blood levels of IL-2, TNF & IFN, and may be linked to the development of lichen planus. It has recently been documented to happen with mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccinations, especially the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. We present a case series of lichen planus that appeared after receiving the COVISHIELD vaccine from Oxford-AstraZeneca. In order to rule out any further potential triggers, like recent infections, prior drug use, smoking, dental treatments, etc., a thorough history was collected in each instance. Skin biopsies were used to confirm each case’s diagnosis. In nearly all of the cases, skin biopsies revealed typical dermatopathological features of lichen planus.