DERMATOLOGICAL MISINFORMATION IN THE DIGITAL AGE: SOCIAL MEDIA, PATIENT TRUST, SELF-DIAGNOSIS, AND TREATMENT DECISION-MAKING – A CRITICAL NARRATIVE REVIEW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.4(52).2026.6767Keywords:
Dermatology, Social Media, Health Misinformation, Patient Trust, Health BehaviorAbstract
Background: Social media platforms are increasingly used as sources of information and advice regarding acne, psoriasis, photoprotection, and skin care. The reliability of available content varies considerably, and its popularity does not necessarily reflect its scientific quality.
Objective: To critically evaluate the available evidence on the nature of dermatological misinformation, the credibility of its sources, patient trust, and the potential influence of online health information on self-diagnosis and treatment decision-making.
Methods: A narrative review of original studies and review articles was conducted, primarily using literature identified through PubMed/MEDLINE. The review included social media content analyses, questionnaire-based studies, and experimental research investigating interventions aimed at counteracting misinformation.
Results: Available studies demonstrate substantial variability in the quality of dermatological information shared on social media platforms, with a considerable proportion of content produced by individuals without medical qualifications. Survey findings confirm that patients frequently seek and use online health advice. However, the observed associations do not establish a direct causal relationship between exposure to misinformation and objectively measured treatment outcomes.
Conclusions: Improving patient education, strengthening physician–patient communication, and conducting prospective studies are essential to addressing dermatological misinformation. Future research should distinguish between exposure to online content, subsequent treatment decisions, and objectively documented clinical harm.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Laura Starobrat, Patryk Remiasz, Julia Szczepanowska-Sujka, Katarzyna Stępniak, Dawid Staniak, Małgorzata Zgodzińska-Staniak, Kamil Syga, Julia Lewtak, Mateusz Szczepanik, Michał Szczepanowski
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