JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Patients with skin of color (SoC) are underrepresented in dermatological literature, and evidence is needed for both physicians and patients. This study aimed to identify whether this disparity crosses over to social media.

Objective:

To assess the quality and quantity of atopic dermatitis-related content on TikTok and to evaluate the representation of SoC in available content.

Methods:

A TikTok search was performed on July 27th, 2022, with the term #eczema. Of the initial 136 videos reviewed, 118 met inclusion criteria, and two independent researchers rated 100 videos using DISCERN criteria. Videos were additionally analyzed for SoC representation based on Fitzpatrick skin types I-VI.

Results:

Of the 118 videos included in the study, 101 were created by non-physicians and 17 by physicians. Non-physician posts had an average DISCERN score of 1.26, while physician posts had an average DISCERN score of 2.24 (P<.01). Thirty (29.7%) of the 101 non-physician posts contained images or videos featuring SoC. Only one (5.9%) of the 17 physician videos contained SoC. Zero of the 14 dermatologist posts contained images or video with SoC. Non-physician posts had more than three times the number of views as physician-created content.

Conclusions:

Our study revealed a need for an expansion in the quality and quantity of posts related to atopic dermatitis on social media. Dermatologists can use their expertise and the visual nature of their field to engage a broad audience on social media, particularly on platforms like TikTok, which are free and easy to use. Creating videos that showcase various clinical presentations and treatment options can help to increase educational information and provide an opportunity to decrease health disparities for patients with SoC.