Black Spot at Vaccine Injection Site: Is It Normal for Kids?

The injection site of the COVID-19 vaccine developed black spots?

Hello doctor, my baby received the first dose of the Moderna vaccine at the beginning of September.
Recently, I noticed that the injection site has developed a small black dot (it is not a scab and cannot be removed).
This did not occur with previous vaccinations.
I would like to confirm if this is normal.
Thank you.

Nìmíng, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/10/08

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics

It may be what is referred to as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which is a reaction of the skin following injury and inflammation.
Melanocytes are stimulated by external factors to produce an excess of melanin.
Once the inflammatory symptoms subside, the excess melanin remains in the epidermal cells, resulting in a darkening of the skin.
This type of pigmentation will gradually fade over time and is harmless, so it can be monitored further.

Reply Date: 2022/10/08

More Info

It is understandable to be concerned about any changes at the injection site after your child has received a vaccine, especially if it is something you have not observed with previous vaccinations. The appearance of a black spot at the injection site can be attributed to a phenomenon known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This occurs when the skin experiences inflammation or trauma, leading to an increase in melanin production by melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin pigmentation.
In your child's case, the black spot you are observing is likely a result of the body's natural healing response to the vaccine injection. When the vaccine is administered, it can cause a localized inflammatory reaction. This inflammation can stimulate the melanocytes, resulting in excess melanin being deposited in the skin, which manifests as a darkened area. This condition is generally harmless and tends to fade over time as the skin heals and the excess pigment is gradually broken down and absorbed by the body.

It is important to note that while this pigmentation change can be alarming, it is typically a benign reaction and does not indicate any underlying health issues or complications from the vaccine itself. In most cases, the pigmentation will diminish over weeks to months, and no specific treatment is necessary. However, it is advisable to monitor the area for any changes, such as increased redness, swelling, or pain, which could indicate an infection or other complications that may require medical attention.

If you have any lingering concerns or if the black spot does not improve over time, it would be prudent to consult with your pediatrician or a dermatologist. They can provide a thorough examination and reassurance, as well as rule out any other potential causes for the pigmentation change.

In summary, the appearance of a black spot at the vaccine injection site in your child is likely a normal response to the vaccination process, specifically related to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It is generally harmless and should resolve on its own. However, keeping an eye on the area and consulting with a healthcare professional if you notice any concerning changes is always a good practice. Vaccination is an essential part of protecting your child's health, and understanding the potential side effects can help alleviate concerns and ensure that you are well-informed about their health and well-being.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Vaccine Reactions in Children: What Parents Should Know

Hello, Doctor He. I would like to ask you about my child, who is a little over 2 months old. Today, we went to the hospital to receive the pentavalent vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine, rotavirus vaccine, and other preventive shots. After the vaccinations, I noticed one or two red sp...

Dr. He Shenglong reply Pediatrics
Hello: If a child has one or two red spots on their face, could it be an allergy? It is advisable to have a doctor examine it before drawing any conclusions. However, many children at this age often have red patches and scales on their faces, which are mostly caused by external f...

Bleeding at Vaccine Injection Site in Children: What to Know

Hello, a 7-year and 11-month-old child experienced a large blood stain (approximately the size of a five-dollar coin) on the cotton ball at the injection site after receiving the second dose of the pediatric BNT vaccine. This has never happened after previous vaccinations. Could ...

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics
The current BNT COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5-11 is administered via intramuscular injection in the deltoid muscle of the upper arm, rather than intravenously. The depth of this intramuscular injection does not involve major blood vessels, so the theoretical risk of the va...

Post-Vaccine Concerns: Understanding Blood Clots and Skin Changes

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 ...

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...

Red Spots on Legs After AZ Vaccine: Is It Normal?

Hello, I am asking on behalf of my daughter. She is 21 years old and has just received her second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine. She has developed red spots on her leg. Is this normal?

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology
Any issues arising after vaccination should be addressed promptly by seeking medical attention to clarify the cause and its relevance. If no lesions are observed, it is difficult to determine the problem. If you are feeling very distressed, please seek medical care as soon as pos...