Research shows that a few people with eczema may get a flare-up after getting a COVID-19 vaccine. But research does not show that the vaccines cause eczema in people who don’t already have it.

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Certain studies seem to indicate that a few adults with eczema may experience a flare-up or breakthrough symptoms after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. However, the current research does not indicate a connection between the vaccines and eczema symptoms in people who don’t already have the skin condition.

In this article, we address the symptoms of eczema and any possible connections to the COVID-19 vaccine.

It is possible, although rare, that breakthrough symptoms of eczema can occur in people who have the skin condition before receiving the COVID-19 vaccination.

A letter to the editor showed that some researchers recorded cases of eczema flare-ups in adults who received a COVID-19 vaccine, but the researchers shared that the symptoms were easily manageable and not severe or dangerous.

Overall, researchers consider the COVID-19 vaccine to be safe and well-tolerated.

What is eczema?

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition.

Symptoms include:

  • blisters
  • dry skin
  • itchiness
  • scaly patches
  • skin infections
  • rashes

More than 31 million people in the United States have eczema, and it can affect almost anyone. Although, people commonly develop it in their 20s or when they are older than 50. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.

People with eczema can experience symptom flare-ups that can last several days to several weeks. The causes of these flare-ups can include certain environmental situations, triggers like stress, or certain products or clothing that irritate the skin.

According to a letter to a physician, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that eczema is not a contraindication for vaccination, which means that it is not inadvisable or concerning to get the vaccine if you have eczema.

Some cases, however, described eczema flare-ups and symptoms in people who received a COVID-19 vaccine. The National Eczema Society acknowledged multiple reports of people’s worsening eczema symptoms after getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

As more of the population receives a vaccine, rare reactions might occur.

However, the general eczema reactions to the vaccines appear to be manageable with medication, which is why it is important to consult your doctor if you think you’re experiencing a reaction.

If you notice a rash or discoloration on your skin after receiving any vaccine, it is important to consult your doctor or a dermatologist. Your healthcare professional can assess your skin’s degree of inflammation and irritation to determine the appropriate treatment, which could include:

  • oral medication
  • ointments
  • rest
  • other steps to calm the inflammation

Your eyes are a sensitive and vulnerable part of your body because the surrounding skin is thin. It is rare for your eyes or face to have a reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine.

However, if you are experiencing discoloration, a rash, itchiness, or other symptoms of discomfort on your face and around your eyes after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, it is important to consult your doctor right away.

If you avoid scratching or rubbing your eyes when they’re itchy, you can prevent them from becoming inflamed or irritated, preventing damage that affects vision.

Your doctor can prescribe the appropriate treatment, such as medications and ointments, based on the types of symptoms you are experiencing. These treatments may calm the affected area and ease the discomfort to help prevent scratching.

In addition to medication and ointments, home remedies can often help. They can include:

  • handwashing
  • going without makeup
  • using thick moisturizers and gentle cleansers without scents

COVID-19 vaccines are safe

As of the fall of 2022, hundreds of millions of people safely received a COVID-19 vaccine. People administered more than 646 million doses in the United States.

Vaccines from four drug manufacturers passed the Food and Drug Administration’s rigorous, scientific standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality.

Experts say that COVID-19 vaccines are generally safe and effective.

Some people experience side effects after receiving their vaccine, while others appear to have no side effects. Common side effects after the COVID-19 vaccination include:

  • fever
  • headache
  • pain at the injection site

Those side effects typically go away within a few days.

If you believe you are experiencing an adverse reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine, contact your physician immediately.

Eczema is a common inflammatory skin condition that can vary from mild to severe. Flare-ups of symptoms can occur and last for several days to several weeks.

Researchers consider the COVID-19 vaccines to be safe and well-tolerated. Studies show that a small percentage of people may experience a flare-up of eczema symptoms after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, but the symptoms are easily treatable and unlikely to be severe.

Experts say that eczema should not usually prevent a person from receiving a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine.