Herpes Zoster Post-Vaccine Mimicking “COVID Arm” in an Old Female

Abstract

Cutaneous adverse effects related to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are still a challenging issue. “COVID arm” is a manifestation of delayed hypersensitivity reaction appearing after the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination as reddish, warm, pruritic, indurated, or swollen areas in the limb of the vaccine site. These skin alterations may be associated with systemic symptoms and have been observed after the first or second dose of COVID-19 vaccines. The aim is describe a 76-year-old woman who had “COVID arm simile” lesions caused by herpes virus in the left upper limb 4 weeks after the AstraZeneca vaccine first dose. The reaction, with 30 days duration, needed treatment and was considered severe. However, the patient received the second dose of the same vaccine uneventfully. Case reports of intercurrences during mass vaccinations are advantageous for health care workers and patients.