Has TikTok Helped Your Patients Recognize Hidradenitis Suppurativa Sooner?
You might have heard it from your own patients: “I saw a video on TikTok and realized I might have HS.” You’re not alone. Anecdotal reports and early research suggest that social media, especially TikTok, is helping patients recognize the signs of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) earlier and seek out a diagnosis.
This JDD [https://jddonline.com/issue-archive/] article explores how platforms like TikTok are shifting the way patients learn about their health. It’s no longer just brochures in the waiting room. Today’s patients are arriving to appointments with more symptom awareness, better vocabulary for describing their condition, and a greater sense of empowerment—all thanks to short-form videos and online communities.
Why does this matter for dermatologists? Because earlier HS recognition can change the trajectory of disease management. Patients may now be coming in at Hurley Stage I, rather than waiting until pain and scarring set in. Social media is proving especially effective among younger, lower-income, and underrepresented populations—groups that historically face delayed diagnoses.
This “TikTok effect” also marks a broader shift in healthcare education—from physician-directed to patient-driven, interactive, and community-based. Of course, misinformation is a concern, but the upside is clear: a more informed, engaged patient is a step toward better care.
Have your patients mentioned TikTok when talking about HS symptoms?
J Drugs Dermatol. 2025;24(6):e45.
