Skin of Color in Dermatology: Analysis of Content and Engagement on TikTok

J Drugs Dermatol. 2022 Jul 1;21(7):718-722. doi: 10.36849/JDD.6784.

Abstract

Importance: There is an existing disparity in the ability for patients with skin of color to access reliable, evidence-based care via social media.

Objectives: To analyze the intention, creators, and engagement of skin of color content posted on TikTok.

Design: Cross-sectional epidemiologic study analyzing the content of 43 search terms related to skin of color.

Setting: Population-based.

Participants: The accounts linked to the top 3 posts associated with each search term when sorted by both relevance and number of likes based on the TikTok algorithm.

Exposures: N/A.

Main outcome measures: The number of views, likes, comments, and shares.

Results: Dermatologists fall behind other TikTok creators with regard to producing popular skin of color content on TikTok. Conclusion and Results: Dermatologists have the opportunity to help combat the spread of misinformation by generating educational posts and making reliable content more available for skin of color patients. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(7):718-722. doi:10.36849/JDD.6784.

MeSH terms

  • Communication
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Dermatology*
  • Ethnic and Racial Minorities
  • Humans
  • Social Media*