Impact of COVID-19 Vaccine and COVID-19 Infection on Vitiligo Activity and Progression

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has given rise to several new onset or exacerbated dermatologic disorders including vitiligo. However, the relationship between COVID-19 infection or its associated vaccines and vitiligo progression is unclear. Aim: We investigate the impact of COVID-19 infection and its associated vaccines on vitiligo progression. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed among patients who visited Department of Dermatology, Peking University People’s Hospital between 2022.1 and 2023.6. Detailed information including demographic characteristics, vitiligo clinical features, information on COVID-19 infection and vaccination and disease progression was collected by an electronic questionnaire. Results: Overall, 314 patients with vitiligo completed the questionnaire. 47.5% were males, with an average age of 25.5±15.9 years. 266 (84.7%) patients had received COVID-19 vaccination, and 70.3% of the patients reported progression of vitiligo after vaccination, mostly within 3 months. 55.6% of the patients had disease progression after the second dose of vaccine. 270 patients experienced COVID-19 infection, and 30.7% of these patients had progression of vitiligo after infection, most of the progression occurred within 1–2 months. 184 patients (68.2%) interrupted treatment. Analysis results indicated patients in active stage had a higher risk for vitiligo progression after COVID-19 infection and vaccination.