368 An analysis of telangiectasia-related social media videos

Abstract

Recent studies have reported a notable rise in social media use (i.e., TikTok) by dermatologists to educate users about dermatological conditions. Similarly, patients have reported utilizing social media to obtain dermatological information. Due to the nature of Tik-Tok, specifically, any user is permitted to create and post content with very few regulations that might ensure content accuracy. Thus, arises the likelihood that inaccurate medical information is propagated on social media, potentially misleading users in dermatological disease management. We have analyzed the top 10 posts from each of the 13 most searched hashtags on TikTok relating to either disease state or treatment options for lower extremity telangiectasias/spider veins. Information regarding content creator, post type, and user engagement was gathered for each post individually. Of the analyzed posts, 59.2% were published by medical providers while 40.8% were by influencers and businesses (i.e., med spas, equipment suppliers). 81.5% of total posts were classified as educational, 13.1% as advertisement, and 5.4% as promotional. The proportion of creators producing educational content who are not licensed or trained healthcare providers emphasizes the opportunity for inaccurate medical information to be spread via social media. This study highlights the need for dermatologists to engage with social media apps to correct unreliable information as well as prioritize correct patient education during clinical encounters regarding vein pathology treatment.