Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Menu
  • Home
  • The Practice
    • Offices
    • Insurance
  • Our Services
    • Surgical Dermatology
    • Aesthetics
    • Cosmetic Dermatology
  • Our Providers
  • Patient Resources
    • Join Our Email List
    • Make a Payment
    • Patient Portal
    • AAD Resources
  • Skin Care Products
  • Contact Us
Dermatology Practice Logo

Grand Strand Dermatology, LLC

"Love The Skin You're In"

Visit our Patient Portal
Join our Email List
Make an Online Payment

9400 Frontage Road (Hwy 17 Bypass)

Murrell Inlet, SC 29576

(843) 215-1100

933 Medical Circle

Myrtle Beach, SC 29572

(843) 215-1100

843-215-1211

Check us out on Social Media

logo
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Pamphlets >
  • COVID arm: No reason to skip your COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID arm: No reason to skip your COVID-19 Vaccine

  • Created in Pamphlets

Dermatologists understand people are concerned about getting “COVID arm” (also called “COVID vaccine arm”) – a rash that can develop on the arm where you got your COVID-19 shot. Seeing a large rash days after getting vaccinated can be scary, but it’s generally nothing to worry about.

COVID arm belongs to a wide variety of rashes that dermatologists are seeing. These rashes develop in a small percentage of people who have received the COVID-19 vaccine.

Rashes that appear more than four hours after getting the COVID-19 vaccine are not a sign of a severe allergic reaction. According to board-certified dermatologist Esther Freeman, 1 this type of rash “may indicate that your body’s immune system is doing a good job of responding to the vaccine.”

If you develop a rash within 4 hours of getting your COVID-19 shot, get immediate medical attention

This can be a sign of a serious allergic reaction.

Man about to receive COVID-19 shot

News of rashes that appear hours or days later comes from research reported in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. All reported rashes developed in people who had received either the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. These were the only COVID-19 vaccines authorized for emergency use in the United States at the time of this study.

The rashes reported in this study include:

  • COVID arm (a rash that appears on the arm where the shot was given and often develops seven to eight days later)
    This rash can be raised, itchy, and warm to the touch.

  • Toes (or fingers) swell, turn red or purple, and sometimes develop sores or bumps
    Dubbed “COVID toes,” this rash also develops in some people who become infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. When this reaction happens after getting the COVID-19 vaccine, there is no reason to worry. It’s not a sign that you have COVID-19.

  • Rash all over the body that looks like tiny, flat (or raised) spots on your skin
    While this rash can look scary, it will usually go away on its own.

  • Swelling where a cosmetic filler was injected
    Some people who have had a cosmetic filler injected into their face developed this reaction.

Dermatologists say these possible side effects shouldn’t stop you from getting the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it’s available to you.

Here are three reasons why.

#1 The COVID-19 vaccine could save your life

The COVID-19 vaccine will help protect you from getting COVID-19.

If you get COVID-19, there’s no way to know how it will affect you. Many Americans have died of COVID-19. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine could save your life.

The vaccine can also prevent you from getting very sick. If you get infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 after getting the vaccine, you may have a very mild case of COVID-19 or not get sick. Without the vaccine, some people infected with COVID-19 spend weeks or months in the hospital.

And some unvaccinated people who get COVID-19 develop a condition called “long COVID.” These people, who are often referred to as “long-haulers,” have symptoms of COVID-19 that last for weeks or months. Common symptoms of long COVID include feeling too tired to do what you normally do, brain fog, and loss of taste or smell.

With so many vaccine benefits, the risk of developing a rash is minor by comparison. This is especially true given fact #2.

The COVID-19 vaccine is effective and safe

You cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine.

Woman receiving COVID-19 vaccine

#2 COVID arm, facial swelling, and other rashes that develop hours or days after getting the COVID-19 shot are temporary and harmless

If you develop one of these rashes after getting the COVID-19 vaccine, your skin will clear up on its own.

“COVID arm typically shows up seven to eight days after you get the first shot,” says Dr. Freeman.

Some COVID vaccines require two shots

If you develop a rash more than four hours after getting the first shot, you should still get your second shot when it’s time.

Dr. Freeman adds that the rash known as COVID arm can stretch five or six inches across your arm. This can look concerning, but it won’t last. The rash tends to go away in 24 hours to a week.

COVID arm

Seven days after receiving her first COVID-19 shot, this woman developed a large rash, which disappeared three days later.

COVID arm rash

Swelling where you’ve had a cosmetic filler injection usually goes away in 24 to 48 hours.

#3 Skin reactions are rare after getting the COVID-19 vaccine

While many people feel some pain and soreness in their arm after getting their shot, the rashes that develop hours to days later are uncommon.

Exactly why some people develop a rash or facial swelling is unclear.

“It’s not necessarily a bad thing,” says Dr. Freeman. "It shows that the vaccine is doing its job. You’re developing defenses to the virus that causes COVID-19."

If you develop swelling where you had a cosmetic filler injected, you can still get a cosmetic filler in the future

To protect your health and safety, wait until your reaction to the vaccine goes away and see a board-certified dermatologist who has expertise injecting cosmetic fillers.

Dermatologist injecting patient with a cosmetic filler

Developing swelling where you had a cosmetic filler injected is very rare. During the clinical trials that led up to the FDA authorizing the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines for emergency use, a few people developed swelling where they had a filler injected into their face.

Here’s a summary of what happened:

  • Who developed facial swelling: 3 out of 15,184 people who received Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine

  • Where the swelling developed: In the area a filler was injected into their face

  • When people saw the swelling: 1 to 2 days after receiving their first dose of Moderna’s vaccine

While a few more people have developed this side effect since this study was run, facial swelling is still rare. It has been reported in a few people who had a filler and received either the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

When a COVID-19 vaccine becomes available to you, get it

Getting vaccinated is an important step that you can take to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the vaccine for people 16 years of age and older.

We are still learning about COVID-19

The information on this page is what was known (or available) at publication.

For more information, go to the CDC’s Key things you need to know about COVID-19 vaccines.

Related AAD resources

  • AAD Coronavirus Resource Center

  • Fillers: Overview

  • Who should provide your cosmetic treatment?

1 Board-certified dermatologist Esther Freeman, MD, PhD, FAAD, is the Director of Global Health Dermatology at Massachusetts General Hospital. She is also a principal COVID-19 researcher who has helped advance the understanding of how the coronavirus and the COVID-19 vaccines can affect the skin.


Images

  • Images 1 and 3: Getty Images

  • Image 2: Image used with permission of JAAD Case Reports. (JAAD Case Rep, 2021;10:92-5.)

References
American Academy of Dermatology (resources for dermatologists)

  • COVID-19 vaccine administration guidance

  • Massachusetts General Hospital Board-certified dermatologist: Update on COVID-19 vaccine reactions and virus symptoms

  • Side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines

American Academy of Dermatology. “Largest study of COVID-19 vaccine skin reactions shows a wide range of reactions possible – but none severe.” News release issued 4.7.2021. Last accessed 4.7.2021.

Anderson EJ, Rouphael NG, et al. “Safety and immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-1273 vaccine in older adults.” N Engl J Med. 2020;383(25):2427-38.

Avram M, Bertucci V, et al. “Guidance regarding SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine side effects in dermal filler patients.” American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Based on information available as of 28 December 2020.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

  • “Long-term effects of COVID-19.” Page last updated on November 13, 2020. Last accessed February 25, 2021.

  • “Benefits of getting a COVID-19 vaccine.” Page lasted updated on January 5, 2021. Last accessed February 25, 2021.

  • “What to Expect after Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine.” Last updated February 23, 2021. Last accessed February 25, 2021.

McMahon DE, Amerson E, et al. “Cutaneous Reactions Reported after Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccination: A Registry-Based Study of 414 Cases.” J Am Acad Dermatol 2021; (journal pre-proof). Last accessed 4.7.2021.

Walsh EE, Frenck RW, Jr., et al. “Safety and immunogenicity of two RNA-based Covid-19 vaccine candidates.” N Engl J Med. 2020;383(25):2439-50.

Wei N, Fishman M, et al. “‘COVID arm’: A reaction to the Moderna vaccine.” JAAD Case Rep. 2021;10:92-5


Written by:
Paula Ludmann, MS

Reviewed by:
Esther Freeman, MD, PhD, FAAD
Carrie L. Kovarik, MD, FAAD
Ivy Lee, MD, FAAD

Last updated: 4/20/21


All content solely developed by the American Academy of Dermatology

Supported by:

  • Acne and rosacea
    • Exercise and sports
    • Rosacea
    • Stubborn acne
    • Teenage acne
  • Bumps and growths
    • Moles
    • Birthmarks
    • Scars
  • Color problems
  • Contagious skin diseases
    • Cold sores
    • Genital herpes
  • Cosmetic treatments
    • Cellulite treatments
    • Laser treatment for scars
    • Liposuction
  • Dry / sweaty skin
  • Eczema / dermatitis
  • Hair and scalp problems
  • Itchy skin
  • Painful skin / joints
  • Rashes
  • Scaly skin
  • Skin cancer
    • Melanoma
  • Skin, hair, and nail care
    • Skin care
    • Hair care / hair loss
    • Injured skin
    • Nail care
    • Anti aging skin care
  • Other conditions
  • Videos
  • Pamphlets

Skin Cancer Removal Procedures

Skin Cancer patients can expect a surgical plan to remove their skin cancer based on the location , size, and type of tumor. Most treatments to remove cancerous lesions can be conducted under local anesthesia.

 

The Skin Cancer is removed with a Surgical tool called a curette with a hoop or scoop on the end for scraping. An electric current is then applied to the area through a needle-like electrode designed to kill the remaining cancer cells and reduce bleeding.

After care instructions: The ED&C site must be kept clean if it is to heal rapidly. It is a small open wound which may or may not leave a scar. To clean the site, follow these instructions

First Wash Your Hands With Soap and Water

1. Remove Initial dressing in 24 hours.

2. Wash the area with soap and water twice a day. Apply a thin film of Aquaphor or Vaseline and cover with a fresh bandage until healing has occurred. This may take up to 2/4 week, depending on size of the wound and location.

3. Do not use Neosporin or other over the counter topical antibiotics as allergies to these medications are quite common and they can slow down healing.

4. Keep wound moist with Vaseline and band-aid, as stated in number 2. A scab or leaving it open to the environment will slow down healing.

It is normal for the site to become puffy, reddened, or irritated. However, if the site is warm to the touch, oozing, or severely reddened or very sore, you need to contact the office at (843)215-1100.

 

The skin cancer growth is removed with surgical excision by cutting or shaving it out of the skin with a scalpel. Local anesthesia is used to numb the affected area. Depending on the type of tumor, our surgeons my remove a certain amount of surrounding tissue. 

After Care Instructions: First Wash Your Hands With Soap and Water

1. You may apply an ice pack following surgery. Apply the ice pack on for 20 minutes, and then remove for 20 minutes, and repeat the process as needed. 

2. Remember, applying direct pressure to the surgery site stops bleeding.

3. You may take Tylenol for Pain if needed.

4. Leave the wound dressing on for 24 hours

5. While showering, remove your current dressing and clean your wound, and the remove for gently with warm water and soap to remove any dried blood and prevent scab formation.

6. Apply Vaseline ointment at least one time daily, and cover the entire wound with a band-aide or gauze dressing.

7. On your scheduled day of suture removal, cleanse the wound, and leave the area DRY(do not apply any ointment) and return to our office at your scheduled time to have the sutures removed

8. If your wound is in the beard area on your face or other area where you normally shave, please avoid shaving near the wound.

9. If the surgical site starts to bleed excessively and doesn't stop with applied pressure for 15 minutes, the dressing become saturated with blood. If there is excessive swelling or the site become inflamed and warm to the touch. Call the office at 843-215-1100

 

The surgeon removes the visible skin cancer and come surrounding tissue via and incision. The removed tissue is frozen, dyed, and evaluated under a microscope by a pathologist to see if the cancer has been removed entirely. If cancerous cells are still present, the process of excision and evaluation is repeated until the cancer is no longer detected. The diagnosis of the removed tissue is made in real-time, so the patient can be confirmed cancer-free the same day. The process can take several hours to fulling remove the cancer.

After Care Instructions: First Wash Your Hands With Soap and Water

1. You may apply an ice pack following surgery. Apply the ice pack on for 20 minutes, and then remove for 20 minutes, and repeat the process as needed. 

2. Remember, applying direct pressure to the surgery site stops bleeding.

3. You may take Tylenol for Pain if needed.

4. Leave the wound dressing on for 24 hours

5. While showering, remove your current dressing and clean your wound, and the remove for gently with warm water and soap to remove any dried blood and prevent scab formation.

6. Apply Vaseline ointment at least one time daily, and cover the entire wound with a band-aide or gauze dressing.

7. On your scheduled day of suture removal, cleanse the wound, and leave the area DRY(do not apply any ointment) and return to our office at your scheduled time to have the sutures removed

8. If your wound is in the beard area on your face or other area where you normally shave, please avoid shaving near the wound.

9. If the surgical site starts to bleed excessively and doesn't stop with applied pressure for 15 minutes, the dressing become saturated with blood. If there is excessive swelling or the site become inflamed and warm to the touch. Call the office at 843-215-1100

 

Typically used to treat minor skin cancers and pre-cancerous lesions, cryosurgery involves the use of liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy the cancer cells. The procedure, also known as cryotherapy is repeated until the affected area no longer shows signs of pre-cancer or cancer.

After Care Instructions: 

1. You do note need to cover the area treated, unless instructed to do so.

2. The discomfort is temporary but may last for 10-30 minutes after treatment.

3. the area may appear red for up to one hour after freezing but often returns to normal color within 10-15 minutes.

4. A blister may form within 24 hours of treatment. this may be clear fluid filled or blood filled, if it is uncomfortable, you may drain it by using a clean needle cleansed with alcohol. If this is done, cover with a Band-Aid and Vaseline ointment for approximately one week. This bandage should be changed daily. 

5. Sometimes a scab will will form over the area treated. This will come off on its own and does not need to be covered.

6. If you have any questions or concerns after reading the above information, please do not hesitate to call our office at 843-215-1100



Side Effects of Skin Cancer Removal 

With any kind of skin cancer removal, scarring is likely to occur. Incision sites may be sore, red, or drain small amounts of fluid. Healing will continue for weeks and even months after your surgery, incision lines will fade and continue to improve. Sun exposure on wounds and scar lines can result in irregular pigmentation or cause the sight to become red, raised, or dark, so patients should follow post-op preventative instructions carefully. 

Specials

vday lasers

20%off val

vday sepcial

Our Locations

Find us on the map

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 AM-4:00 PM

Tuesday:

8:00 AM-4:00 PM

Wednesday:

8:00 AM-4:00 PM

Thursday:

8:00 AM-4:00 PM

Friday:

8:00 AM-12:00 PM

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

  • Copyright © 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Officite.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map