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Public social media consultations for dermatologic conditions: an online survey

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Elizabeth Schoenberg at Thomas Jefferson University
Elizabeth Schoenberg
Doaa Shalabi
Doaa Shalabi
Doaa Shalabi
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Jordan V. Wang at Laser & Skin Surgery Center of Pennsylvania
Jordan V. Wang
  • Laser & Skin Surgery Center of Pennsylvania
Nazanin Saedi at Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals
Nazanin Saedi
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The use of social media in medicine has been increasingly studied in recent years, especially concerning its role in patient outreach, education, diagnosis, and management. Dermatology is a unique field in that patients can post photographs of their skin ailments when seeking online medical advice and information. This study examines the role of public social media consultations for dermatologic conditions. A large portion of patients utilize social media for dermatologic consultations and many do not seek care from a dermatologist afterward. Future studies should trend this phenomenon, especially as the use of social media continues to expand.
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UC Davis
Dermatology Online Journal
Title
Public social media consultations for dermatologic conditions: an online survey
Permalink
https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5ht4k2rh
Journal
Dermatology Online Journal, 26(3)
Authors
Schoenberg, Elizabeth
Shalabi, Doaa
Wang, Jordan V
et al.
Publication Date
2020
License
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ 4.0
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University of California
Volume 26 Number 3| March 2020|
26(3):6
- 1 -
Dermatology Online Journal || Commentary
Public social media consultations for dermatologic
conditions: an online survey
Elizabeth Schoenberg BA, Doaa Shalabi BS, Jordan V Wang MD MBE MBA, Nazanin Saedi MD, Matthew Keller
MD
Affiliations: Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Corresponding Author: Jordan V Wang MD, MBE, MBA, Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson
University, 833 Chestnut Street, Suite 740, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, Tel: 215-955-6680; Fax: 215-503-3333, Email:
drjordanwang@gmail.com
Keywords: dermatology social media, dermatology
consultations, dermatology internet
Introduction
In recent years, there has been considerable interest
in the use of social media in medicine, especially in
the field of dermatology [1, 2]. It is estimated that
about half of households use the internet to find
health-related information and resources [3]. Social
media may offer patient benefits, including social,
emotional, and informational support [4]. It can also
offer a venue for professional conversation and
advice, such as with Facebook groups that are
dedicated solely to board-certified dermatologists.
However, with the abundance of non-expert advice
and ease of dissemination, it can be challenging for
patients to find unbiased, expert information.
Misinformation is widespread [5]. Patients often
consider an online influencer’s or blogger’s number
of followers to be associated with offering verified
and factual information [6]. There also exists a culture
of online public consultations being performed on
social media. Dermatology issues are particularly
unique, since patients can post photographs of their
skin ailments when seeking medical information and
advice. Frequently, responses are not from qualified
medical professionals, which can lead to
mismanagement, delayed diagnoses, and poor
outcomes. This study attempts to examine current
practices of public social media consultations for
dermatologic conditions.
Methods
An online survey was posted to dermatology-
relevant Facebook groups in 2019. The survey
contained demographic information in addition to
questions pertaining to social media use, especially
in regard to dermatologic concerns.
Results
A total of 261 respondents completed the survey.
The mean age was 27.1 years, and 77.0% were
female. Respondents identified as White (not
Hispanic or Latino, 75.9%), Asian (11.9%), Black or
African American (3.8%), Hispanic or Latino (3.8%),
and other (4.6%). The majority lived in an urban
Abstract
The use of social media in medicine has been
increasingly studied in recent years, especially
concerning its role in patient outreach, education,
diagnosis, and management. Dermatology is a
unique field in that patients can post photographs of
their skin ailments when seeking online medical
advice and information. This study examines the role
of public social media consultations for dermatologic
conditions. A large portion of patients utilize social
media for dermatologic consultations and many do
not seek care from a dermatologist afterward. Future
studies should trend this phenomenon, especially as
the use of social media continues to expand.
Volume 26 Number 3| March 2020|
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Dermatology Online Journal || Commentary
location (73.2%) compared to suburban (23.0%) and
rural (3.8%) settings.
The vast majority of respondents utilize social media
a few times per day (90.4%) versus once daily (5.0%),
a few days per week (2.3%), a few days per month
(1.9%), or a few days per year (0.4%). Various social
media platforms used included Facebook (88.5%),
Instagram (84.7%), Snapchat (66.3%), YouTube
(47.1%), Twitter (28.4%), and Reddit (21.5%).
Respondents follow and read posts from various
types of accounts on social media (Figure 1). The top
10 topics of posts in which respondents are most
interested are skincare products (59.4%), anti-aging
(47.8%), hair products (41.1%), acne (40.6%), sun
protection (40.6%), laser and body contouring
procedures (20.7%), tanning (18.3%), eczema
(10.7%), rosacea (8.5%), and injectable neurotoxins
and fillers (8.0%). The majority (64.4%) wish that
more high-quality advice for dermatology issues was
available on social media.
Among all respondents, 39.5% have consulted social
media for a skin-related condition. Those living in a
rural setting did so more than those in suburban and
urban settings (80.0% versus 38.1%, P=0.008). Those
more likely to schedule an appointment with a
dermatologist who is active on social media also
consulted social media more (59.2% versus 32.5%,
P=0.00009). The top reasons for using social media
included learning about the experience of others
(74.8%), searching for medical information (51.5%),
posting a question (11.7%), posting a photograph
(1.9%), and other reasons (5.8%).
Of those who consulted social media and were
willing to share, 47.9% and 13.5% did so before and
after seeing a dermatologist, respectively, whereas
38.5% did not see a dermatologist. The top 10
specific conditions posted for consultation are listed
in Table 1. The top 5 specific reasons for consulting
social media included relative ease compared to
seeing a dermatologist (44.8%), not thinking they
needed to see a dermatologist (35.4%), lower cost
Figure 1. Various accounts that respondents follow or read on social media.
Table 1. Top 10 specific skin-related conditions that respondents
consulted for on social media.
Skin-Related Condition %
Acne 54.2
Eczema or dry skin 19.8
Hair loss or thinning 17.7
Sun spots 14.6
Wrinkles 13.5
Excess fat 11.5
Insect bite 10.4
Mole 10.4
Cyst 9.4
Cold sore or herpes 8.3
Volume 26 Number 3| March 2020|
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Dermatology Online Journal || Commentary
than seeing a dermatologist (22.9%), shorter wait
time than seeing a dermatologist (12.5%), and not
trusting their dermatologist (3.1%). Interestingly, the
majority (76.0%) believed that the information they
received was trustworthy.
Discussion
Consistent with a prior study, many survey
respondents have consulted social media to obtain
health-related information [7]. Similarly, many never
see their physician after consulting social media for
medical concerns [8, 9]. A large portion of
respondents consulted social media prior to seeking
professional advice. Despite often-unreliable
information available on the internet, many
respondents indicated that they trust the
information they received. A delay in obtaining
qualified medical advice may ultimately lead to
diagnostic delays and mismanagement of
dermatologic conditions. Dermatologists should be
aware of this trend in order to provide appropriate
patient counseling and caution the dangers of online
public medical consultations.
According to our results, people are more likely to
seek a dermatologist who is active on social media.
Through online engagement, providers are able to
improve patient education and outreach in addition
to the patient experience. Social media provides a
non-traditional means to establish a patient-
provider relationship outside of the clinic. The
posting of online photographs or videos may allow
people to feel more connected and familiar with
providers. Posts of real patients may also help to
create a sense of trust before actually meeting the
provider in person. However, no studies have
thoroughly examined the reasons why patients are
more likely to choose a dermatologist who is active
on social media. Future studies are needed to assess
this behavior.
Conclusion
Patients frequently utilize social media for public
consultations of dermatologic conditions.
Dermatologists should be aware of this trend in
order to offer improved patient education and
patient care.
Potential conflicts of interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interests.
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