Background: Reddit, the seventh most visited website in the United States, has become an exceedingly popular platform for patients to source medical information and discuss chronic conditions.
Objective: To uncover patient questions regarding atopic dermatitis, as physicians can use this knowledge to better address patient concerns and more comprehensively educate patients.
Methods: The authors analyzed 1,000 questions posted on the “Hot” section of the “eczema” subreddit. Each question was then separated into categories and subcategories for analysis.
Results: 1,000 questions from 881 posts were analyzed. The highest proportion of questions (29.5%) were non-pharmacologic management focused, with patients inquiring about diet, over the counter skincare products, personal hygiene practices, clothing, and supplements. Non-specific management (19.1%), uncertainty about symptoms (14.6%), medications (14.3%), cause and triggers (10.3%), and mental health (6.9%) were common categories as well.
Limitations: The questions of the eczema subreddit subscribers may not reflect the questions of all atopic dermatitis patients.
Conclusion: This analysis demonstrates that atopic dermatitis patients require greater management guidance, especially non-pharmacologic strategies, and more comprehensive discussions regarding the range of symptoms, trigger avoidance, and mental health resources. Addressing these gaps in knowledge may lead to improved outcomes and more informed, empowered patients. J Drugs Dermatol. 2021;20(6):653-658. doi:10.36849/JDD.5734Visit the Atopic Dermatitis Resource Center.