The Journal of Society Medicine (JSOCMED)
Vol. 5 No. 8 (2026): August

Bullous Pemphigoid Suspected to Be Caused by COVID-19 Vaccine: A Case Report

Cut Putri Hazlianda (Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia)
Rinda C. Risanti Risanti (Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara / Prof. dr. Chairuddin Panusunan Lubis Hospital, Medan, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Aug 2026

Abstract

Introduction: Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common autoimmune subepidermal blistering disease caused by autoantibodies against hemidesmosomal proteins, BP180 and BP230. Although usually idiopathic, BP has increasingly been reported following COVID-19 vaccination, and early recognition of this association is clinically important. Case Description: A 64-year-old man developed widespread tense bullae over erythematous skin with pruritus and pain, sparing the face, two days after the first dose of an inactivated (Sinovac) COVID-19 vaccine. He had no history of drug or food allergy, prior skin disease, or relevant comorbidities. Dermatological examination revealed multiple tense bullae with papular and vesicular lesions over erythematous macules and plaques on the extremities and trunk, with erosions, excoriations, and crusts; Nikolsky’s sign was negative. Histopathology demonstrated subepidermal bullae with acanthosis and an inflammatory infiltrate rich in eosinophils, lymphocytes, and neutrophils, confirming BP suspected to be vaccine-induced. The patient was treated with systemic and topical corticosteroids, oral antibiotics, antihistamines, and supportive care. After one week, the lesions improved markedly, with no new bullae, and corticosteroids were gradually tapered. Conclusion: Bullous pemphigoid may develop shortly after COVID-19 vaccination. Although a causal relationship cannot be firmly established, clinicians should remain aware of this potential association, particularly in elderly patients presenting with new-onset blistering eruptions after vaccination, as early recognition enables prompt management and favorable outcomes.

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Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology Neuroscience

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The Journal of Society Medicine (JSOCMED) | ISSN (e): 2964-5565 is a leading voice in the Indonesia and internationally for medicine and healthcare. Published continuously, JSOCMED features scholarly comment and clinical research. JSOCMED is editorially independent from and its The Editor-in-Chief ...