Social Media in Dermatology: Shaping Clinical Practice, Public Awareness, and Patient Engagement.

Abstract

Social media has become an integral part of
modern dermatology, with platforms such as
Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Snapchat
providing dermatologists with opportunities to
popularize their practice, educate the public, and
promote healthy skin care practices. However,
this also raises concerns about misinformation,
self-diagnosis, and privacy infringement. The
increasing influence of skincare influencers and
non-medical, unqualified content creators has led
to the rapid circulation of misleading information,
impacting patient decision-making, undermining
professional medical advice, and promoting
unnecessary treatments. Additionally, privacy
concerns arise from sharing patient images and
treatment results without proper consent. To
maximize the benefits while mitigating risks,
healthcare professionals must emphasize ethical
practices, advocate for accurate information, and
adhere to medical guidelines. Individuals must
verify the sources of information before following
advice related to skincare and dermatological
treatments.Influencers,particularly those without medical expertise, are responsible for
sharing evidence-based information while
disclosing sponsorships or affiliations. A collective
effort is essential to ensure that social media
remains a reliable and responsible platform for
dermatological education and awareness.