A qualitative analysis of online misinformation and conspiracy theories in psoriasis

Abstract

Summary Psoriasis is a chronic, hereditary disease with a complex immunopathogenesis, rendering it susceptible to misinformation. Misinformation related to psoriasis can have negative effects both on the public perception of psoriasis and on patients' knowledge of psoriasis. To characterize misinformation related to psoriasis available online, we performed a formal literature review via PubMed and a thematic review via Google. Key themes of misinformation included ‘victim‐blaming’ (hygiene), ‘vector’ (contagion), ‘vaccination’, ‘vilification’ of conventional therapy, ‘validation’ of natural treatment and diet, ‘veneration’ of cures and ‘vocalization’ from celebrities. Misinformation related to psoriasis is pervasive on social media and other websites. Dermatologists, as patient advocates, should be aware of the content of misinformation available online and combat misleading health information to optimize health outcomes for patients with psoriasis.

The Implication of Misinformation and Stigma in Age-Related Quality of Life, Depression, and Coping Mechanisms of Adult Patients with Psoriasis

“…Their efforts revealed that there is misinformation regarding the etiology of psoriasis, as well as promotion of untested natural “cures” for psoriasis. These false claims circulating on popular social media channels may be detrimental to the social experience of patients suffering from psoriasis [ 21 ].…”

The role of lifestyle and nutrition in psoriasis: Current status of knowledge and interventions

“…Also, an in‐depth search on YouTube found that nutrition/diet were among the most addressed topics (25%), and that nearly two‐thirds of psoriasis‐related videos were misleading or even dangerous (52% and 11%, respectively), and generally of low quality as unrelated to reliable medical sources 53 . Therefore, in order to induce proper dietary healthy habits in psoriatic patients, 54 there is a need to provide correct internet and social media information regarding diet and psoriasis, based on authoritative scientific literature, and to discredit wrong and unfounded recommendations 13,55 …”

“…53 Therefore, in order to induce proper dietary healthy habits in psoriatic patients, 54 there is a need to provide correct internet and social media information regarding diet and psoriasis, based on authoritative scientific literature, and to discredit wrong and unfounded recommendations. 13,55 Undoubtedly, physicians should not only adequately inform psoriatic patients regarding proper dietary habits, but they should also provide clues to reliable sources of information, considering that internet and social media platforms have the potential to significantly influence patient education, often with unverified information. 55…”

“…13,55 Undoubtedly, physicians should not only adequately inform psoriatic patients regarding proper dietary habits, but they should also provide clues to reliable sources of information, considering that internet and social media platforms have the potential to significantly influence patient education, often with unverified information. 55…”

Chat GPT in dermatology: Progressive or problematic?

“…Misinformation in dermatology is pervasive, with farreaching false content across the internet. 4,5 We express concern that, like human internet users, AI-generated responses may not recognize unreliable information. As it is informed completely by web-based content, the algorithm cannot differentiate reliable information from misinformation, potentially placing patients at risk of incorrect advice.…”