INTRODUCTION:

The infection by the Influenza virus is considered a public health problem, causing severe illness and death, above all, in high-risk population. The vaccination against Influenza has proved to be effective in protecting patients and health professionals from nosocomial infections and in reducing absenteeism due to illness. Pityriasis Lichenoides represent a group of inflammatory skin diseases with a variable clinical spectrum.

Cases of Pityriasis Lichenoides related to vaccination are rare, therefore, this work represents an opportunity to report about this syndrome, whilst contributing to the identification and clarification of one of the possible adverse effects of vaccination against Influenza.

CASE DESCRIPTION:

We report a case of 59-years-old health professional man, who attended an Occupational Medicine consultation due to the arising of a three days evolution erythematous papules on the trunk, abdomen and upper limbs, associated with pruritus, after carrying out Influenza vaccine (Influvac Tetra(), as part of the seasonal flu vaccination program at the Occupational Health Service. The diagnosis of Pityriasis Lichenoides induced by the Influenza vaccine was considered due to the clinical and histopathological data.

DISCUSSION:

Amongst the general literature, there are few reported cases of Pityriasis Lichenoides in connection with Influenza vaccination. The most frequently associated vaccines are the anti-measles, anti-mumps, and anti-rubella, and only one case is reported with direct link to the vaccine against Influenza. The article has the particularity of focusing on a case over a health professional which carries a greater risk of exposure to the virus, resulting from professional activity. Nevertheless, is a chronic patient (diabetic) and at a higher risk of serious illness/complications.

CONCLUSIONS:

Despite being a rare syndrome, we emphasize the right for a correct recognition, diagnosis and approach to this disease. Furthermore, the adherence to Influenza vaccination is strongly linked to the fear of adverse effects, which makes it crucial to train professionals involved in Influenza vaccination for correct counseling and follow-up in the vaccination process.

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