PubMed RSS Feed - -Red-faced lies: a qualitative analysis of online misinformation and conspiracy theories in rosacea

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Clin Exp Dermatol. 2023 Sep 4:llad307. doi: 10.1093/ced/llad307. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Rosacea is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease with a complex etiology and major psychological impact, rendering patients susceptible to misinformation. We aimed to assess the content of rosacea-related misinformation online. A formal review of PubMed was performed, using the terms 'rosacea' AND 'misinformation' OR 'disinformation' OR 'conspiracy theory', along with informal Google searches using combinations of these terms, and further targeted searches on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Key areas of misinformation identified in the search included mislabelling as adult acne; falsehoods about rosacea only occurring in older adults or in individuals with lightly pigmented skin; incorrect causes such as make-up or diet; and misleading 'cures', some of which may lead to exacerbation of the underlying rosacea. Dermatologists must be aware of the large amounts of rosacea misinformation trending online and be prepared to counteract them with evidence to optimize patient care.

PMID:37665965 | DOI:10.1093/ced/llad307

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