Having a sore arm after vaccination is quite common, but some people who get their first dose of a COVID vaccine have a red or itchy rash on their arm or, occasionally, all over their body. Fortunately, the rash will go away and won’t recede – at least not as much – with the second dose.
It’s important to understand the difference between a serious or immediate allergic reaction (meaning you shouldn’t come back for a second shot) and the pesky but not serious rashes sometimes called “COVID arm” or “modern- Arm “. The CDC considered A severe allergic reaction where the person had to use adrenaline (e.g. an Epi-Pen) or go to the hospital. An immediate allergic reaction develops within 4 hours of the shot. According to CDC:
An immediate allergic reaction occurs within 4 hours of vaccination and may include symptoms such as hives, swelling, and wheezing (shortness of breath). Your doctor may refer you to an allergy and immunology specialist for more care or advice.
What does “COVID Arm” look like?
The less severe rashes known as the “COVID arm” appear more than four hours after receiving the vaccine. Sometimes they don’t show up until a few days later or even a week later. The rash may be red, itchy, swollen, or painful.
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A Recent study Reports of skin conditions following either Pfizer or Moderna vaccines have been studied and the results are encouraging. Of the 414 people who developed a rash after being shot and whose doctor reported the rash through a dermatological database, none developed anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction).
The rashes were temporary and only 43% of those who had a rash with their first dose got one with their second. That means the odds are better than 50/50 that you won’t get any the second time around. In people who had a rash on both occasions, the rash on the second dose usually wasn’t as severe.
One of the most common types of skin reactions in the study was redness or itching at the location of the shot. Other less common reactions were a measles-like rash all over the body and “COVID toes,” swelling or sores on the toes or occasionally on the fingers.
What to do if you get a rash
As always, check with your provider if you’re concerned about something that’s going on with your body, especially if you want to rule out the possibility that something other than the vaccine was causing the rash.
Otherwise the CDC recommends Taking an antihistamine to relieve itching (if the rash is itchy) and / or a pain reliever or anti-inflammatory (if the rash is painful). Tylenol is a good option, and NSAIDs like ibuprofen are also suitable.
Even if you’ve developed a rash, go back for your second dose. Let the person giving the vaccine know of the reaction you had. Maybe they want to give you the shot in the other arm.
