New-onset vitiligo following COVID-19 disease.

ABSTRACT

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease and vaccines have been associated to various skin reactions, which are mostly similar amongst them. New onset of vitiligo and hypopigmentations have been described following COVID-19 vaccination, but never after COVID-19 infection. Objectives: We present the case of a 45-year-old woman, who developed vitiligo 2 weeks after COVID-19 disease. Skin lesions stabilized after 1 month of initial spreading. Results: Vitiligo is a relatively common acquired pigmentary disorder, possibly caused by a T CD8+ cell-mediated autoimmune process, which may be enhanced after the immune activation of COVID-19 disease. Molecular mimicry and bystander activation have been advocated as possible pathogenic mechanisms of vitiligo after COVID-19 vaccination. The same mechanisms may also be involved as possible vitiligo triggers during COVID-19 disease. Conclusions: Clinicians should be aware of this possible autoimmune cutaneous reaction to COVID-19 disease.