Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Dermatology
Date Submitted: Feb 3, 2021
Date Accepted: Apr 29, 2021
Date Submitted to PubMed: Aug 26, 2023
Google Trends in Dermatology: A Scoping Review
ABSTRACT
Background:
Google Trends is a powerful online database with the potential to influence medical practice.
Objective:
This review aims to elucidate the current relationship between dermatology and Google Trends.
Methods:
A literature review was performed using the PubMed database to access relevant studies published within the last five years.
Results:
Current research utilizing Google Trends data provides insight related to skin cancer, pruritus, cosmetic procedures, and COVID-19, as well as the finding that dermatology is presently the highest-searched medical specialty. Dermatologic Google searches demonstrate a seasonal nature for various skin conditions and sun-related topics, depending on a country’s inherent climate and hemisphere. In addition, celebrity social media and other viral posts have been found to potentiate dermatologic Google searches and drive public interest. The main limitation of Google Trends searches is internet access, which may exclude certain individuals and socioeconomic groups.
Conclusions:
Future research is warranted to better understand how this search tool can be utilized to improve the quality of clinic visits, drive public health campaigns, and detect disease clusters in real-time.
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Copyright
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