Why bcg vaccine leaves scar

This vaccine is used to protect people against human tuberculosis. Both vaccine types can leave upper arm scars. Often, a person can tell the difference between the smallpox vaccine and BCG scars by taking into account the following considerations:. The treatments for a smallpox scar are similar to those for scarring in general.

If your smallpox scar developed into a keloid, you can apply silicone sheets like a bandage or gel to the keloid. Of the more than 37, civilian workers who received the smallpox vaccine in , an estimated 21 post-vaccination scars occurred, according to the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases.

Of those experiencing scarring, the average time to noticing the scar was 64 days. While smallpox scars may still exist, a person must evaluate whether their scar requires treatment to reduce its appearance. Most scars are removed or revised for cosmetic appearances, not health concerns. The shingles vaccine is recommended for people ages 50 and older, as older adults are more likely to develop shingles.

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Within 10 to 14 days after receiving this vaccine, you should see small red bumps on your skin where the vaccine and needle device were placed. This red area will gradually grow larger after 4 to 6 weeks, and then scale and fade. After 6 months you will most likely have little to no scar. BCG vaccine contains a live form of tuberculosis bacteria, which can "shed" from your injection site.

This means that for a short time after you receive the vaccine, your vaccination sore will be contagious and could spread the bacteria to anything or anyone who touches it. Keep your vaccination sore loosely covered with clothing or a light gauze dressing for at least 24 hours. Tell your doctor if you have any unexpected skin changes or severe irritation, lesions, or oozing where the needle sticks were placed. These reactions could occur up to 5 months after you received BCG vaccine.

This vaccine is usually given as a single dose. You may need a repeat vaccine if your TB skin test is still negative 2 to 3 months after you received your first BCG vaccine. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Some side effects may occur up to 5 months after you receive BCG vaccine.

These side effects may also last for several weeks. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Before receiving this vaccine, tell the doctor about all other vaccines you have received in the past 30 days.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect BCG vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here. Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about this vaccine. Additional information is available from your local health department or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. It's important to leave the area uncovered as the air will help it to heal. It's normal for it to leave a small scar. Occasionally, there may be a more severe skin reaction, but this should heal within several weeks.

If you're worried that your or your child's skin reaction is abnormal or that the spot may have become infected, contact a GP. Serious side effects from the BCG vaccine, such as a serious allergic reaction anaphylactic reaction , are very rare. Anyone who has an allergic reaction to a vaccine recovers completely with no lasting effects if they're treated promptly.

The Yellow Card Scheme allows you to report suspected side effects from a vaccine. Find out more about the BCG vaccine.