INTRODUCTION
TikTok provides a platform for users to create and watch short videos covering diverse topics, including the field of dermatology. With a user base of over one billion, TikTok has increasingly been a space for individuals to seek health-related information.1 While TikTok can be beneficial in providing increased access to medical information, the rise of medical misinformation is a potential risk when patients rely on social media as a health information source.2,3 Medical misinformation is also prevalent in dermatology-related social media.4
For example, some creators on TikTok endorse a "highlighter method" of applying sunscreen to create a natural contour from tanning skin. This trend can promote behaviors that increase the risk of skin cancer. Another TikTok trend involves at-home methods of mole removal using acidic chemicals, razors, and other household objects. Not only does this increase the risk of direct tissue damage but could remove evidence of a potentially malignant lesion. In addition, the pursuit of alternative treatments seen online may cause a delay in care for individuals who have health conditions that would benefit from early intervention.
Limited studies have analyzed sources of TikTok videos associated with sun safety and skin cancer, the most prevalent form of cancer in the United States.7 Therefore, we sought to determine the proportion of videos produced by board-certified dermatologists (BCDs) on these topics.
Previous studies on TikTok and dermatology have noted the rise of "skinfluencers" as a major source of skincare content. Some of these "skinfluencers" may create inaccurate content, touting ineffective treatments or even promoting behaviors that lead to permanent skin damage.5,6 Physicians have warned of the potential dangers of having unlicensed individuals being the primary source of skin-related information online.
For example, some creators on TikTok endorse a "highlighter method" of applying sunscreen to create a natural contour from tanning skin. This trend can promote behaviors that increase the risk of skin cancer. Another TikTok trend involves at-home methods of mole removal using acidic chemicals, razors, and other household objects. Not only does this increase the risk of direct tissue damage but could remove evidence of a potentially malignant lesion. In addition, the pursuit of alternative treatments seen online may cause a delay in care for individuals who have health conditions that would benefit from early intervention.
Limited studies have analyzed sources of TikTok videos associated with sun safety and skin cancer, the most prevalent form of cancer in the United States.7 Therefore, we sought to determine the proportion of videos produced by board-certified dermatologists (BCDs) on these topics.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We conducted a cross-sectional study between August 25, 2023, to August 27, 2023, on TikTok. The investigators input the following hashtags into the TikTok search bar: #sunscreen, #sunprotection, #spf, #skincancer, and #skinprotection. The top 100 videos in each hashtag category were analyzed for 500 videos. These videos were then categorized based on the type of content creator: dermatologist, dermatology resident, non-dermatologist physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, registered nurse, esthetician, patient/consumer, beauty blogger, skincare company, and others. For each video, we
