Widespread cutaneous eruption after aluminum‐containing vaccination: A case report and review of current literature

Abstract

Aluminum salts are adjuvants found in many vaccines. Although rare, patients have reported cutaneous reactions to aluminum salts including persistent pruritic subcutaneous nodules at the injection site. We report the case of an 11‐year‐old male who at the age of 5 years developed a generalized pruritic cutaneous eruption after receiving the aluminum‐containing Quadracel® vaccination. Patch testing at that time was positive to aluminum salts and again on repeat patch testing 6 years later. Our case highlights a delayed systemic cutaneous reaction to a vaccine containing aluminum salts. We review cutaneous allergic reactions to vaccines containing aluminum salts and vaccination advice for patients with aluminum contact allergy.