Lichen planus after COVID-19 infection and vaccination

Abstract

Lichen planus (LP) is an inflammatory disorder believed to result from CD8 + cytotoxic T-cell (CTL)-mediated autoimmune reactions against basal keratinocytes. We present a review of LP following COVID-19 infection and vaccination. Literature searches were conducted on PubMed and Google Scholar from 2019 to 7/2022. 36 articles were selected based on subject relevance, and references within articles were also screened. 39 cases of post-vaccination LP and 6 cases of post-infection LP were found among case reports and case series. 152 cases of post-vaccination LP and 12 cases of post-infection LP were found in retrospective and prospective studies. LP is a rare complication of COVID-19 infection and vaccination that may be mediated by overstimulation of T-cell responses and proinflammatory cytokine production. However, it does not represent a limitation against COVID-19 vaccination, and the benefits of vaccination considerably outweigh the risks.