Accurate Online Education Crucial in Acne Management
Researchers explored TikTok’s role in the dissemination of information regarding isotretinoin and its users.
Accurate information and online education are crucial aspects in managing isotretinoin use for patients with acne, according to a study published in Cureus.1 With potential for misinformation disseminated on online channels like TikTok, researchers suggested social media can have a significant impact on treatment adherence and patient outcomes for those with acne, or relatively any other medical condition.
“Acne vulgaris, affecting approximately 9% of the global population, primarily impacts individuals aged between 12 and 24 years, the predominant age group of TikTok users,” wrote authors of the study. “This study investigates the attitudes, perspectives, and knowledge dissemination of isotretinoin among TikTok users, focusing on the platform's effectiveness in sharing information on isotretinoin for acne treatment.”
Along with isotretinoin, other medications have received increased notoriety among the general public, with social media as one of the driving catalysts of this phenomenon. | image credit: Shi / stock.adobe.com
According to Statista, TikTok has just under 1.6 billion daily users, coming in as the 5th most-used social media app in existence.2 And while dissemination of information on TikTok can touch all subject areas inside and outside of health care, researchers decided upon isotretinoin information for treating acne because of overlap between TikTok user demographics and patients commonly taking isotretinoin to treat acne. Furthermore, 90% of teens and young adults reported that they seek information from social media to inform their health care decisions.3
READ MORE: Environmental Factors Impact Psoriasis Severity
“Isotretinoin is an oral systemic retinoid medication effective in treating acne at a pharmacologic dosage of 0.5 to 1.0 mg/kg per day,” they continued.1 “Despite its unclear exact mechanism of action, isotretinoin inhibits sebaceous gland function and keratinization, reducing sebaceous gland size and sebum production.”
Along with isotretinoin, other medications have received increased notoriety among the general public thanks to social media. One example of this phenomenon is through the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications, a class of prescription drugs that has seen a significant increase in recent history because of its weight-loss capabilities.
“Although generally similar trends were observed for T2D, CVD, and overweight or obese subgroups, the ascent of Ozempic as most frequently used was more apparent in the overweight or obese group,” wrote authors of a study published in the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association.4 “The monthly growth rates were 83.9% for Ozempic, 119.2% for Wegovy, 84.8% for Rybelsus, 53.3% for Saxenda, 12.9% for Adlyxin, 78.8% for Trulicity, and 254.3% for Mounjaro.”
With constant circulation of what can be framed as “health care education” on TikTok, as well as a lack of studies on the topic, researchers wanted to further understand TikTok user perceptions and experiences regarding isotretinoin. “This study suggests that while TikTok videos may shape perceptions and expectations of isotretinoin, they also encourage patient interest in exploring treatment options and facilitate discussions with health care providers,” they wrote.1
They explored a total of 50 TikTok videos related to isotretinoin that were posted on the social media platform in between August 13, 2020, and February 13, 2023. With the goal of simply exploring patients’ perceptions and expectations, researchers separated videos into emerging themes that would subsequently inform their final analysis.
“These findings emphasize social media platforms' role in disseminating health information about dermatological treatments like isotretinoin,” wrote the authors.1 “However, they highlight the need for dermatologists to monitor social media trends to understand patient perspectives and address any misinformation that may discourage treatment.”
Researchers identified a total of 8 themes including effectiveness and benefits of isotretinoin; physical side effects and challenges; knowledge and education; psychological side effects and impact; personal experiences; treatment process and decision-making; awareness, misconceptions, and communication; and finally, post-treatment considerations and future outlook.
By exploring positive and negative experiences on top of accurate and inaccurate health care information, researchers underscored the immense impact social media can play on patients’ medication preferences and expectations. From psychological complications spurred on by acne to the dissemination of isotretinoin misconceptions, researchers successfully identified an “intricate interplay” between patient experiences and social media’s influence.
With the term “influencer” becoming almost synonymous with social media, the extent of its influence on the public will be studied for years to come.
“Evaluating long-term effects of health education from TikTok regarding the impact on treatment adherence and patient outcomes is essential,” concluded the authors.1 “In conclusion, accurate health information and online education are crucial. They foster important discussions, supporting better patient care and improving acne management.”
READ MORE: Dermatology Resource Center
Don’t get left behind: Sign up today for our free Drug Topics newsletter and get the latest drug information, industry trends, and patient care tips delivered straight to your inbox.
