A photo from the Commander-in-Chief Ball, where Melania and Donald Trump are dancing, has been widely shared across the Balkans in recent days because of a detail on Slovenian Melania’s arm.
“Stamp of Yugoslavia,” is being shared along with the photo, which shows that Melania has a vaccination scar on her left arm, just like many residents of the former Yugoslav countries.
Vaccination scars are usually the result of specific methods of vaccine application and the type of vaccines used in the past. The most common examples are scars from tuberculosis (BCG) or smallpox vaccinations, which were prevalent decades ago.
Reasons for the formation of scars:
BCG vaccine
The tuberculosis vaccine is typically administered via intradermal injection (into the skin). This method can cause a localized reaction, such as redness, swelling, or a small sore that heals with a scar. This is a normal immune response to the vaccine. This scar often remains permanently visible, especially in individuals vaccinated during childhood.
Smallpox vaccine
A special technique using a bifurcated needle was employed, causing a controlled infection at the injection site. The body would form a blister or sore that, upon healing, left a scar. This type of vaccination is no longer used, as smallpox was eradicated in 1980.
Individual immune response
Some individuals have stronger reactions to vaccines, which can result in larger or more pronounced scars. Skin sensitivity also plays a role – some people are more prone to scarring due to the nature of their skin or genetic factors.
Today, most vaccines do not leave scars, as modern application methods are used, such as intramuscular or subcutaneous injections, which do not cause such strong localized reactions.
