Dermatologists' Way of Informative Content About Dermatology and Cosmetology on Social Media

Social media (SM) plays a critical role in the dissemination of information, particularly in dermatology and cosmetology, where misinformation is prevalent. However, the spread of misinformation by non-experts poses risks to public health. Dermatologists' participation in SM can help correct inaccuracies and improve public health knowledge. This study aims to evaluate the practices of Turkish dermatologists in creating and sharing dermatology and cosmetology-related content on SM platforms.

An online survey consisting of 36 questions was distributed to Turkish dermatologists via WhatsApp, a closed Facebook group, and email. The survey gathered data on the dermatologists' demographics, SM usage, and content creation practices. The survey was conducted over a three-month period from May to August 2024. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis.

Among the 137 respondents, 34% reported sharing informative content on SM, with WhatsApp and Instagram being the most used platforms. Common topics included acne (87%), cosmetic procedures like botulinum toxin (80%), and skincare advice (53%). However, only a small percentage consistently cited scientific references, and many were unaware of the legal and ethical implications of sharing patient images. The majority of dermatologists (79%) believed their posts had a positive effect on patients' decisions to use their medical services.

While the use of social media by dermatologists to disseminate health information is growing, the quality and ethical standards of the content shared still need improvement. Dermatologists should play a more active role in creating evidence-based, informative content, especially regarding serious dermatological conditions like skin cancer, which are less frequently covered. Additionally, there is a need for greater awareness and training on the ethical and legal aspects of using SM, particularly regarding patient privacy and informed consent. The presence of dermatologists on SM can help counteract the spread of misinformation and ensure that the public has access to accurate and reliable dermatological and cosmetic information.