Unmasking the Epidemic of Misinformation: An Advocacy for Evidence-based Dermatologic Practice amid the Social Media-driven Misrepresentation of Prescription Therapies

¹Department of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, USA

²Department of Medicine, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, Fort Bliss, TX, USA

³St. George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada, USA

⁴Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA

⁵Avalon University School of Medicine, Curacao, USA

⁶Loma Linda University Health Consortium, Loma Linda, CA, USA

⁷Department of Dermatology, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, NY, USA

*Corresponding author: Kelly Frasier, DO, MS, Department of Dermatology, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, NY, United States, Phone: 3105956882, E-mail: [email protected]

Received: September 05, 2025
Published: June 11, 2026

Citation: Tasneem S, et al. (2026). Unmasking the Epidemic of Misinformation: An Advocacy for Evidence-based Dermatologic
Practice amid the Social Media-driven Misrepresentation of Prescription Therapies. Dermis. 6(2):63.

Copyright: Tasneem S, et al. © (2026).

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The rise of social media has transformed how the public accesses dermatologic information, with platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube enabling rapid dissemination of content by both experts and laypersons. While this increased access offers opportunities for patient engagement, it has also led to a proliferation of unregulated, often misleading, health information, particularly regarding prescription dermatologic therapies. Underrepresentation of board-certified dermatologists and skin of color communities further compounds these challenges, contributing to disparities in care and public trust.

 Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 53 TikTok posts related to topical steroids and isotretinoin, identified under the hashtags #topicalsteroids and #accutane. Posts were categorized by creator type (MD/Doctor vs. Nonmedical Professional), content accuracy (accurate, misleading, mixed, or other), and engagement metrics. Additional narrative review of the literature explored the impact of social media on dermatologic education, access, and misinformation, with a focus on underrepresented groups.

Results: Only 15% (n=8) of TikTok posts were created by physicians or dermatologists, while the vast majority (85%, n=45) originated from nonmedical professionals. Misleading information was widespread: all misleading posts (n=27, 51%) were authored by nonmedical professionals, and none by medical doctors. Accurate posts were predominantly produced by MDs/dermatologists. Despite accounting for just 8% of total content, posts from creators identified as skin of color were notably underrepresented. Misleading posts, particularly under #topicalsteroids, received high engagement (mean 719 comments, SD ± 2169). Literature review highlighted further barriers, including gaps in dermatologic training, lack of institutional support for professional engagement online, underrepresentation in research, and significant disparities in care and health literacy.

Conclusions: Social media dermatology content is dominated by nonmedical professionals, who are also responsible for all identified misleading posts, underscoring a critical gap in evidence-based education online. Underrepresentation of both board-certified dermatologists and skin of color voices exacerbates disparities and mistrust. Addressing misinformation and promoting equity will require a multifaceted strategy, including increasing professional engagement on digital platforms, improving representation and inclusivity in dermatologic education and research, and implementing institutional reforms to support digital health communication. Dermatologists and healthcare institutions must proactively lead efforts to verify content, engage diverse communities, and empower patients through accessible, accurate, and culturally competent information.

Keywords: Social Media, Dermatology Misinformation, Tiktok, Topical Corticosteroids, Isotretinoin, Health Equity