Content analysis of psoriasis and eczema direct-to-consumer advertisements

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertisements have been associated with both beneficial and detrimental effects on real-world health care utilization. We aimed to evaluate advertisement placement, character representation, and disease-related content in psoriasis and eczema DTC advertisements. We conducted a content analysis of DTC advertisements televised on 4 major networks over 14 consecutive days in July 2018. In total, 13 advertisements for psoriasis and 27 advertisements for eczema were identified. Among psoriasis advertisements, 81 affected characters were shown, and among eczema advertisements, 80 affected characters were shown. Our findings suggest missed opportunities for education and patient reach among psoriasis and eczema DTC advertisements. Lack of diversity of characters among advertisements for psoriasis and eczema may reinforce existing and emerging treatment disparities.