P004 Digital dermatology: influence of online content on disease beliefs, anxiety and treatment behaviour in atopic dermatitis, topical steroid withdrawal and psoriasis

Abstract

Social media has become a prominent source of health information for people with dermatological conditions. Emerging evidence suggests that online content may shape disease perceptions, affect emotional response and drive self-management behaviours. However, the extent of this influence across different dermatoses remains poorly understood. Our aim was to evaluate how adults affected by atopic dermatitis (AD), topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) and psoriasis engage with, understand and trust social media content about their condition. We aimed to determine associations between online engagement, disease beliefs and treatment-related behaviours. Adults (≥ 16 years) with AD, TSW or psoriasis were recruited through dermatology clinics, across two hospitals. Participants completed a questionnaire assessing demographics, disease history, social media habits, trust in online dermatology content, concerns regarding steroid use, and behavioural outcomes such as modifying prescribed treatments. Knowledge questions were used to measure the accuracy of key dermatology concepts. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize usage patterns. Between-group comparisons were conducted using χ2-tests and t-tests. Regression models were used to explore the predictors associated with misinformation and treatment avoidance. Preliminary analysis reveals notable social media engagement across conditions, with Instagram and TikTok being the most frequently used platforms. A significant proportion of participants reported trusting social media for skin-related advice, and a subset described changing routines or products based on online content. Steroid concerns were more commonly reported among frequent social media users, with early trends suggesting higher rates of treatment avoidance in those primarily following influencers compared with those following clinicians. Initial knowledge-score patterns indicate variability in participants’ ability to distinguish accurate from misleading content. Early findings suggest that social media plays a role in shaping dermatology patients’ beliefs and disease perceptions, as well as treatment-related anxieties. Differences across conditions and follower types highlight the need for improved digital health literacy and clinician engagement within online spaces to support psychoeducation and healthier belief formation.