Post-Vaccine Concerns: Blood Clots and Skin Changes

Post-vaccination issues?

Hello doctor, I would like to ask about something.
I just received my vaccine around 8 PM, and when I got home, I saw the information they sent back regarding possible symptoms, which mentioned blood clots.
I happened to notice two dark spots on my calf, but I'm not sure if they were there before.
I want to ask you, is this how blood clots generally appear? They look very much like moles.
I'm not clear on whether the adverse effects of the vaccine related to blood clots involve spontaneous bleeding, and I'm a bit anxious about whether these two dark spots count as that.
The information said to seek medical attention if symptoms appear within 28 days, but I'm worried I might have a fever tomorrow.
The doctor I saw earlier mentioned that it’s a possibility and prescribed me some antipyretics just in case.
Could you please clarify if these spots could be blood clots or moles? Are they the same thing? Should I go to the emergency room and mention that I got vaccinated? I'm a bit afraid that I might just be overreacting to something I didn't notice before.
Would it be better to wait a few days and see if there are any issues before visiting a dermatologist? Thank you for your help, doctor.
Here is the picture of the two dark spots: https://ibb.co/tmPDK9M

Lin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/09/09

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello, based on the photos you provided, it appears to be a mole.
The blood clots associated with the AZ vaccine refer to thrombosis within blood vessels, which commonly presents with symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and chest pain, rather than skin lesions like black spots.
Therefore, there is no need for special concern.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2021/09/09

More Info

After receiving a vaccine, it's common to have concerns about potential side effects, including skin changes and the risk of blood clots. Your description of noticing two black spots on your calf after vaccination raises important questions about their nature and whether they could be related to the vaccine.

First, it's essential to understand that blood clots can manifest in various ways, but they typically do not present as isolated black spots on the skin. Blood clots often cause swelling, pain, redness, or warmth in the affected area, particularly in the legs. The black spots you are observing may not be indicative of a blood clot. Instead, they could be benign skin lesions, such as moles or other types of pigmentation that you may not have noticed before.
Blood clots associated with vaccines, particularly those like the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, have been reported but are rare. The symptoms of vaccine-induced thrombosis typically include severe headaches, abdominal pain, leg swelling, or shortness of breath, occurring within a few weeks after vaccination. If you are not experiencing any of these symptoms, it is less likely that your black spots are related to a blood clot.

Regarding the black spots themselves, if they resemble moles or other skin lesions, they may be harmless. However, if you notice any changes in size, shape, or color, or if they become painful or itchy, it would be wise to consult a dermatologist for further evaluation.
As for your concern about whether to seek emergency care, it is generally advisable to visit a healthcare provider if you experience any concerning symptoms, such as swelling, pain, or changes in your skin that are unusual for you. If you are feeling anxious about the spots, it might be helpful to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist rather than going to the emergency room unless you have other symptoms that warrant immediate attention.

In summary, while it is natural to be concerned about potential side effects after vaccination, the black spots you are observing are likely not indicative of a blood clot, especially if you are not experiencing other symptoms associated with thrombosis. Monitoring the spots for any changes and consulting a dermatologist if necessary is a prudent approach. Additionally, if you experience any unusual symptoms in the days following your vaccination, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance.

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