Morphoea in an adolescent following COVID-19 vaccination, a case report and literature review

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic is the most challenging health crisis of the 21st century. All international organisations have collaborated to develop the COVID-19 vaccine. Although this has resulted in relatively quicker control of the disease, these vaccines were not tested for enough time before introduction. We had to weigh the benefits and risks of a fatal pandemic against those of a relatively safe vaccine. Although reported as generally safe, there have been lots of cases of vaccine reactions and side effects. Case presentation We present a case of morphoea in a teenage Saudi boy, probably secondary to the use of the COVID-19 vaccination. He presented with hyperpigmentation and hardening of the abdominal skin following COVID-19 Vaccination. The diagnosis was established by a skin biopsy. He responded to immunosuppression with improvement in skin hardening and regression of pigmentation. Conclusion Morphoea is rare in the paediatric population. It should be suspected in cases of skin hardening, especially when preceded by a viral illness or vaccination. Diagnosis is established by skin biopsy, and treatment involves immunosuppression with a good response.