Background:Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer. In secondary care, patients enter a complex pathway, often involving excision. This multistage process likely has a significant carbon footprint, which has not been previously evaluated. Objective:The aims of this study were to quantify the carbon footprint of the skin cancer excision pathway and to identify opportunities for pathway optimization to improve both sustainability and efficiency. Methods:A retrospective process mapping and life cycle analysis of 64 patients undergoing skin cancer excision were performed for patient-facing and organizational steps from diagnosis to follow-up. Estimates for carbon dioxide emissions and areas for pathway remodeling were generated. Results:The carbon footprint of a patient undergoing skin cancer excision was 118.5 kg carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq). The perioperative phase had the highest emissions (53.1 kgCO2eq, 44.8%), but the combined diagnostic and follow-up periods had greater emissions (65.4 kgCO2eq, 55.2%). Imaging and nuclear medicine were responsible for over a third of emissions (42.5 kgCO2eq, 35.9%). Conclusions:This is the first study to evaluate the carbon footprint of the secondary care skin cancer excision pathway. Multiple inefficiencies were identified, and opportunities for improvement, pathway stratification, diagnostic justification, and adoption of circular economy principles were suggested to increase sustainability and improve standards of care.
Background:Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease that can affect the quality of life of affected individuals. Publicly available online conversations and search behavior provide valuable insights into public awareness, understanding, and information related to AA. An infodemiology approach, therefore, offers an opportunity to characterize these perspectives across Gulf countries. This study evaluated the understanding and awareness of AA in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates based on AA-related mentions and internet searches. Objective:Despite its prevalence, AA is often misunderstood, particularly in the Middle East. By examining the data from social media platforms, online forums, and internet searches, this study provided insight into the regional AA perceptions and awareness in these 5 Gulf countries. Methods:Online discussions in English and Arabic mentioning AA and related terms were analyzed from the 5 countries between January 2022 and April 2023. Results:The analysis of more than 8500 mentions of AA over 16 months revealed significant online engagement, especially from the United Arab Emirates. Educational content dominated the discussions, with a notable increase following the Oscars incident in April 2022. Gulf news platforms and X (formerly Twitter) were the primary discussion platforms, with health care professionals mainly using English and patients using both English and Arabic. Common topics included potential contributors to AA, emotional distress, and the AA patient journey. Conclusions:The study identified gaps in awareness and understanding of AA among patients, health care professionals, and medical facilities in the Gulf region through online discussions and search patterns. These insights can facilitate the development of targeted educational initiatives, support strategies, improve awareness, reduce stigma, and enhance support networks for those affected by AA.
Background:Outdoor workers receive significantly more UV radiation exposure than indoor workers, increasing their skin cancer risk. Hispanic individuals comprise a large proportion of the outdoor workforce in the United States, but have limited access to culturally tailored prevention resources. Objective:This exploratory study assessed the perceptions of a culturally tailored narrative video to promote skin cancer prevention among Spanish-speaking Hispanic outdoor workers. Methods:A qualitative study was conducted using two focus groups with Hispanic outdoor workers. Prior to viewing the video, participants completed surveys assessing sociodemographic factors, sun exposure, and protective behaviors. Focus group discussions explored video comprehension, cultural relevance, emotional engagement, and dissemination strategies. Quantitative data were summarized descriptively, and qualitative data were analyzed using rapid qualitative analysis. Results:Among 19 participants, the mean age was 46.5 (SD 15.5) years, and 94.7% (18/19) identified as male. While 47.4% (9/19) reported 6-9 hours of outdoor work per day, more than half (10/19, 52.6%) reported not engaging in sun protection. Participants described the video as culturally resonant, realistic, and engaging. Identification with characters and family-centered themes increased perceived relevance and message credibility. Many participants reported increased awareness of skin cancer risk and greater confidence in adopting sun-protective behaviors. Dissemination recommendations included workplaces, social media, schools, daycares, clinics, and other community settings. Conclusions:Our video shows promise in improving skin cancer awareness and prevention, reflecting strong acceptability among participants. Future randomized controlled studies are needed to assess its effectiveness in enhancing long-term sun-protective behaviors.
Background:Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune, hair loss-inducing disease affecting individuals of all genders and ethnic backgrounds worldwide. As social media platforms and artificial intelligence chatbots increasingly influence patient behavior, individuals with AA may turn to these sources for treatment guidance. Objective:This study evaluated the accuracy of AA-related information on social media and assessed whether patients were exposed to misinformation that could hinder appropriate care. Influencers may recommend treatments applicable to alopecia broadly or promote therapies lacking medical benefit. Methods:YouTube and TikTok were searched using the hashtags #alopecia and #alopeciatreatment. Posts were selected based on hashtag relevance. Videos were categorized using standard AA treatment guidelines into (1) accurate and medical data-backed (aligned with guideline-supported treatments), (2) limited or anecdotal evidence (unverified treatments without clear misinformation), (3) misinformed and/or false (inaccurate or misleading claims), or (4) other (unrelated to alopecia management). Results:A total of 98 YouTube and 222 TikTok videos related to #alopecia and #alopeciatreatment were analyzed. Of the YouTube videos analyzed, 76% (n=75) were categorized as "other," 13% (n=13) as "accurate and medical data-backed," and 10% (n=10) as "limited or anecdotal evidence"; no videos were classified as "misinformed and/or false." Of the TikTok videos analyzed, 76% (n=170) were categorized as "other," 17% (n=38) as "accurate and medical data-backed," 5% (n=12) as "limited or anecdotal evidence," and 1% (n=2) as "misinformed and/or false." Among videos specifically discussing AA treatment, 56% of YouTube videos and 73%of TikTok videos were categorized as "accurate and medical data-backed." The difference in accurate vs limited or nonmedical YouTube content was statistically significant (P=.002), while misinformation prevalence between platforms was not significantly different (P=.15). Conclusions:Patients with AA are frequently exposed to generalized alopecia content on social media, which may not consistently offer disease-specific guidance. Health care professionals should help ensure that social media platforms and artificial intelligence tools are leveraged to promote accurate education and proactively combat misinformation surrounding AA treatment.
Abstract In this analysis of Google Trends and TikTok content, public interest in anti-sun protection topics increased in recent years, while non–physician-created content demonstrated similar engagement but lower quality and viewer experience than physician-created content, highlighting a mismatch between public interest and information accuracy.
Background:TikTok is one of the fastest-growing social media platforms in the world. It has become an important space for sharing information on a wide range of topics, including medical conditions such as atopic dermatitis (AD). Advice on skin conditions has become popular on TikTok, and most previous research in this area focuses on the credibility of the information being shared. However, little research has focused specifically on physician-created videos and their audience engagement and interaction. Objective:Our study aimed to (1) characterize the audience's online response to board-certified physicians' TikTok content related to AD according to established protocols and (2) better understand the interactions that happen among members of the audience in the comment section of this content. Methods:In December 2023, searches were conducted for the terms "atopic dermatitis" and "eczema" on 3 unique TikTok accounts to identify videos created about AD by board-certified dermatologists. A total of 28 final videos were analyzed and classified into the following categories: (1) explanation of disease, (2) recommendation, (3) debunking misinformation, and (4) informal or anecdotal. The top 50 original comments on each of the 28 videos were collected and classified into one of the following categories: (1) "positive personal experience," (2) "negative personal experience," (3) "neutral personal experience," (4) "requesting advice," (5) "learning," (6) "appreciative reaction," (7) "critical reaction," (8) "giving advice," (9) "humor," (10) "tagging another user," and (11) "off-topic." Replies to comments were also analyzed and grouped into similar categories. Results:Video category did not have a significant impact on engagement rate (P>.99). Across all video categories, comments that involved personal experiences or sharing information made up a larger percentage than those that were critical or off-topic (P<.001). Of the comments related to personal experience, the percentage of negative personal experience comments was significantly higher than that of positive personal experience comments (P=.001). Among replies to comments, "recommendation" and "emotional support" replies were significantly more common than other types of replies (P<.001). Conclusions:Our study suggests that videos created by dermatologists on TikTok are generally well received regardless of video style or category. The comment sections appear to provide transient supportive environments where users connect over shared challenges and exchange personal experiences and recommendations. There is a gap in dermatologist-produced TikTok content involving darker skin tones.
Unlabelled:Anterior cervical hypertrichosis, also known as hairy throat syndrome, is a rare and typically benign condition characterized by a well-defined patch of terminal hair on the front of the neck. Although it is often an isolated finding, it may sometimes be associated with neurological or developmental abnormalities, which makes clinical awareness important. We report the case of a healthy 4-year-old girl who presented with congenital localized excessive hair growth over the anterior cervical region. The patch had remained unchanged since birth and was not associated with any skin changes or systemic symptoms. Her physical and neurological examinations were normal, and imaging studies ruled out underlying spinal or soft tissue anomalies. Although she had a resolved history of ptosis and was under follow-up for hypermetropia, no other abnormalities were identified. A sibling history of spina bifida prompted a more detailed evaluation, which returned normal results. This case highlights the importance of recognizing anterior cervical hypertrichosis as a rare but distinct clinical entity. Recognition of this benign entity is important to guide appropriate evaluation, avoid excessive investigations, and reduce caregiver anxiety.
BACKGROUND:This study evaluates the understanding and awareness of alopecia areata (AA) in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) based on AA related mentions and searches on the internet. OBJECTIVE:Despite its prevalence, AA is often misunderstood particularly in the Middle East. By examining the data from social media platforms, online forums, and searches on the internet, the study gives insight into the regional AA perceptions and awareness in these five Gulf countries. METHODS:Online discussions in English and Arabic mentioning AA and related terms were analysed from the five countries between January 2022 and April 2023. RESULTS:The analysis of over 8,500 mentions of AA over 16 months revealed significant online engagement, especially from the UAE. Educational content dominated the discussions, with a notable increase following the Oscars incident in April 2022. Gulf news platforms and X (Twitter) were the primary discussion platforms, with healthcare professionals mainly using English and patients using both English and Arabic. Common contributors to AA, emotional distress, and the AA patient journey were frequently highlighted. CONCLUSIONS:The study identifies gaps in awareness and understanding of AA among patients, healthcare professionals, and medical facilities in the Gulf region through online discussions and search patterns. These insights can facilitate the development of targeted educational initiatives, support strategies, improve awareness, reduce stigma, and enhance support networks for those affected by AA. CLINICALTRIAL:Nil.
Background:Social media is a prevalent source of health information for young adults and offers a scalable platform for skin cancer prevention messaging, including sun safety. Despite high awareness among young adults that UV radiation is a potent carcinogen, both intentional and unintentional exposure remain common. Group-targeted and tailored digital campaigns may help counter protanning norms and strengthen protective behaviors to reduce long-term risk. Objective:This study aimed to evaluate the reach, engagement, and influence of a group-targeted and tailored Instagram-based sun safety campaign implemented as part of a university Skin Smart Campus (SSC) initiative. Methods:A pre-post design was used during the 2024-2025 academic year. The social media campaign evaluation was a focused analysis within a broader sun safety implementation initiative reported elsewhere. The analysis covered the trend-aligned Instagram campaign's reach, engagement, awareness, aided thematic recall, following, and associations with sun safety behaviors. Surveys assessed demographics, sun safety behaviors, campaign awareness, and content recall. Instagram analytics quantified reach and engagement, and influence analyses included bivariate tests and logistic regression. Results:Presurveys and postsurveys were obtained anonymously from 230 and 267 participants, respectively. A dedicated Instagram account and n=10 campus organizations shared campaign content, extending potential reach to 5711 campus followers. Weekly educational posts averaged 262 views and reached approximately 38 nonfollowers per post throughout the campaign. Postcampaign, SSC social media awareness was reported by 48.7% (130/267) of participants, compared to 24.1% (55/230) precampaign (χ²1=32.5; P<.001). There was significantly higher awareness among those with lighter skin types (93/164, 56.7%) compared to darker skin types (37/103, 35.9%; χ²1=10.9; P<.001). Followers were more likely to use on-campus sunscreen dispensers (χ²1=85.2; P<.001). Sunscreen use, protective clothing, and tanning bed risks were among the most frequently posted and recalled themes on Instagram, suggesting high salience (121/124, 97.6%; 111/124, 89.5%; and 106/124, 85.5%, respectively). Multivariable logistic regression revealed that participants with lighter skin tones (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.19-4.56; P=.01), who followed the SSC Instagram account (OR 6.81, 95% CI 3.41-13.60; P<.001), and who used sunscreen dispensers (OR 7.78, 95% CI 3.82-15.84; P<.001) were significantly more likely to practice greater sun safety. Conclusions:A group-targeted, tailored social media campaign embedded in a broader campus initiative demonstrated meaningful reach, engagement, message recall, and impact among young adults. Pairing digital strategies with environmental ultraviolet radiation-reducing resources may enhance young adults' sun safety behaviors. Future efforts should address differences in social media campaign awareness and strengthen messaging for groups that perceive themselves to be at lower risk for skin cancer.
Background:Many users have now switched to using short video platforms as the main channel in their search for skin health information. With high internet penetration and a large market for the skincare industry, short video platforms play an important role in the "beauty discovery" process and purchase decisions. However, the increasing consumption of skin health content is also accompanied by the risk of misinformation, uneven content quality, and the dominance of creators who are not health professionals. Therefore, it is important to determine what factors affect the use of short video platforms in the search for skin health information. Objective:By adopting the stimulus-organism-response framework, health belief model, and media richness theory, this study aims to analyze the factors that influence the use of short video platforms in the search for skin health information. Methods:This study used a mixed methods approach by distributing an online survey to 603 respondents and conducting interviews with 30 interviewees. Survey data were analyzed using the covariance-based structural equation modeling method, and qualitative data were analyzed using the thematic analysis method. Results:The results of this study found that perceived usefulness (P=.01), attitude (P=.02), perceived severity (P=.009), and perceived susceptibility (P=.02) directly affected the behavior of seeking skin health information on short video platforms. Health content expressiveness (P=.001) and personalized health insights (P<.001) directly affected perceived usefulness. These findings support the media richness theory, which shows that the expressiveness of health content and personalization can increase the perception of the usability of short video platforms. Perceived interactivity has an influence on attitude (P<.001), which then affects skin health information seeking on short video platforms (SHEs; P=.02). Upward skin comparison also had a direct influence on skin stigmatization (P<.001). Moreover, perceived severity (P=.009) and perceived susceptibility (P=.02) have an effect on SHEs. These findings confirm the health belief model's theory that perception of the severity of a skin problem and the perception of a person's likelihood of developing a skin problem can improve skin health seeking behavior. However, no effect of source credibility (P=.17) and skin stigmatization (P=.30) was found on SHEs. This is due to the user's willingness to exchange aspects of trust in information sources such as the functionality of the platform and familiarity with the platform or the existence of other internal cognitive or psychological aspects that can be investigated in the future. Conclusions:This study can provide guidance for the development of more effective health communication strategies in the digital era using short video platforms.
Abstract BackgroundArtificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT are increasingly used by the public to seek health-related information. However, the accuracy and quality of artificial intelligence–generated dermatological guidance, particularly regarding sun protection and skin cancer prevention, have not been systematically assessed. ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the quality of ChatGPT-generated responses to common patient questions on sun protection and skin cancer prevention by benchmarking them against guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology. MethodsNine standardized questions reflecting common public inquiries were submitted to ChatGPT (GPT-4 free tier) in a single session on May 13, 2025. Responses were independently evaluated by 2 board-certified consultant dermatologists (>15 years’ experience each) across 4 domains (accuracy, completeness, clarity, and relevance) using an author-developed 5-point ordinal rating scale anchored to American Academy of Dermatology guidelines. Scoring disagreements were resolved through discussion between raters until consensus was reached. Interrater reliability was assessed using the linear weighted Cohen κ and intraclass correlation coefficient. ResultsOverall mean scores were 5.0 (SD 0.0) for accuracy (ceiling effect observed), 4.1 (SD 0.6) for completeness, 5.0 (SD 0.0) for clarity (ceiling effect observed), and 4.9 (SD 0.3) for relevance, yielding an overall mean of 4.75/5.0 (SD 0.49). Interrater reliability was excellent (weighted Cohen κ=0.80; intraclass correlation coefficient=0.85; exact agreement on 33/36, 91.7% of the items). Completeness was the lowest-scoring domain (range 3.0-5.0), primarily reflecting errors of omission rather than commission. ConclusionsChatGPT provided largely accurate and guideline-consistent advice on sun protection and skin cancer prevention in this targeted content analysis. Its primary limitation was incomplete coverage of nuanced guideline details. While not a replacement for professional health care, ChatGPT may serve as a valuable adjunct tool for public health education on skin cancer prevention provided that its outputs are subject to ongoing, systematic evaluation.
Background:The trend of homemade sunscreen recipes has rapidly gained popularity over the last decade, being largely fueled by social media influencers, natural health blogs, and the growing mistrust of large health organizations like the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Consumers are increasingly drawn to products labeled "natural," "organic," "vegan," and "cruelty-free," often conflating these terms with safety and effectiveness. However, when applied to sun protection, these assumptions can be dangerously misleading. According to the FDA, there is no verified mathematical formula that can be used to determine an accurate sun protection factor (SPF) rating for the amount of zinc oxide used in many of the recipes found online. Objective:The objective of this review is to examine the rising popularity and efficacy of homemade sunscreens compared to commercial sunscreens and highlight the potential public health implications of skin cancer risk related to homemade sunscreen use. Methods:Multiple databases were searched to find current and relevant literature analyzing the social media impact relating to homemade sunscreens and the efficacy of homemade sunscreens compared to commercially available products. Digital content that included or discussed homemade sunscreen recipes was included as well to provide examples of information trending online. Results:One study analyzing social media trends found that many strong, unverified claims relating to homemade sunscreen versus commercial sunscreen use are being presented in the media, potentially influencing public knowledge. Additional studies analyzing the components of homemade sunscreen recipes compared to components in commercially available products found that homemade sunscreens offer little to no sun protection, therefore increasing the risk of UV damage for individuals using homemade products. Conclusions:Based on the presented evidence, the adoption of unregulated homemade sunscreens presents a substantial threat to public health. Misinformation spread through social media and influencer culture may unintentionally contribute to an increase in UV-related skin cancers. Greater efforts are needed from health care professionals, regulatory bodies, and online platforms to educate the public and promote the use of scientifically validated sun protection methods.
Unlabelled:Our analysis of online search trends suggests that over the past decade, public search interest has increasingly associated certain aesthetic procedures, particularly injectables and laser hair removal, with medical spas rather than dermatologists.
Background:Fractional radio frequency microneedling (FRM) is an effective nonsurgical facelift modality supported by growing clinical evidence. While generally well tolerated, postprocedural erythema, pain, swelling, and bruising typically last up to 7 days. Other serious complications include prolonged swelling, infection, persistent grid mark, burns, and hypo- or hyperpigmentation. Recombinant human collagen has demonstrated potent wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties, which could be harnessed for post-FRM recovery. Objective:To date, there is a lack of published studies evaluating the use of topical agents to improve postprocedural recovery following FRM. This case report describes the early experience of using topical recombinant collagen post FRM for nonsurgical facelift. Methods:Two 40-year-old female patients with Fitzpatrick skin type IV underwent FRM for nonsurgical facelift. The procedure was performed with standard energy settings. Immediately post procedure, topical recombinant collagen was applied to the treated areas. Either clinical photography or cross-polarized imaging was used to objectively capture the changes in facial erythema and swelling. Results:Both cases demonstrated a marked reduction of erythema and inflammation within 1 to 2 hours after application of topical recombinant collagen. These observations appeared earlier compared to the typical timeframe of 1 to 3 days. No adverse events were reported. Conclusions:Topical recombinant collagen application post FRM was associated with an early reduction of skin erythema and inflammation.
Background:While deep learning-based methods are the potential technological solutions for the diagnosis of skin Neglected Tropical Diseases (skin NTDs), limited efforts were seen toward the use of such tools in Ethiopia. Data scarcity, methods, and models selection issues created further challenges in an attempt to close the previous gap. Objective:This study attempts to design a benchmark image-based diagnostic model for skin NTDs through a synergistic combination of feature extraction pretrained models, a custom-designed convolutional neural network (CNN) model trained on the extracted features, and an integrated data augmentation method applied dynamically. Methods:For this study, a new skin images dataset is created using skin photographs collected by a team of researchers from the NTDs research center of Arba Minch University Medical College. The new dataset contains 1495 images in 3 classes having severe class imbalance. Extensive experiments were conducted to find the optimal deep learning approach by designing a new CNN model, applying transfer learning, and designing the 2-stage approach that uses pretrained models for feature extraction and trains the new CNN model using the extracted features from the pretrained models and applying data augmentation based on the integrated 2-stage approach. For model selection, the study proposed a novel approach, the funnel framework with cascaded selection of methods and models. Results:After hyperparameter tuning, the model trained using DenseNet121 feature extractor scored the highest accuracy of 96.6%, F1-score of 95%, and sensitivity of 95%, while the MNv2-based model scored comparable results of 95.6% accuracy, 90% F1-score, and 90% sensitivity. This study finally selected the DenseNet121 and MNv2 models for feature extraction to build the final model for skin NTDs classification. Conclusions:The 2-stage approach significantly boosted the models' performance compared with other methods, while the data augmentation method further enhanced the performance of the selected models. Finally, this study suggests further studies using advanced class-balancing methods with more data and a possible integration of other clinical data types.
Background:Acne is a chronic skin condition that primarily affects adolescents and young adults but can persist into adulthood. It can have repercussions on physical and mental health, self-esteem, and body image. The increasing use of social media for health information and peer support offers an opportunity to explore real-life experiences with acne. Objective:This study aims to analyze social media messages from users in the United States and the United Kingdom using artificial intelligence to assess the impact of acne on quality of life (QoL), identify discussion topics, and explore unmet needs. Methods:The data were extracted from public platforms using a query containing the word "acne" between January 1 and December 31, 2024. Data cleaning and filtering were performed using natural language processing, machine learning methods, and algorithms. Biterm topic modeling was used to identify the main discussion topics, and QoL impact was assessed using a deep learning algorithm adapted from the EuroQol 5-Dimension Questionnaire or the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey. Unmet needs were identified through manual annotation using the saturation method. Results:A total of 646,809 messages posted by 432,234 users were identified. The main topics included skincare routines and product recommendations (n=154,907, 23.9%), acne scars (n=135,643, 21%), and general treatment information (n=97,177, 15%). Engagement varied across topics and platforms. On Instagram, dietary and nutritional strategies (0.16%, SD 6.36%) showed the highest mean engagement, followed by skincare routines and product recommendations (0.11%, SD 4.81%). In general, engagement scores were higher in the United Kingdom compared to the United States across all topics. On TikTok, content about makeup and acne had the highest mean engagement score (3.03%, SD 92.65%). Overall, 52.9% (228,613/432,234) of the users expressed at least 1 QoL impact, most frequently related to signs and symptoms (175,604/228,613, 76.8%), social functioning (n=149,234, 65.3%), mental health (n=107,155, 46.9%), and cost (n=62,008, 27.1%). Of 3200 annotated messages, 582 contained unmet needs, including effective solutions for hormonal acne (111/582, 19.1%), clarity in identifying acne triggers (n=84, 14.4%), treatment guidance (n=68, 11.7%), and psychological support (n=68, 11.7%). Conclusions:This study revealed the significant physical, psychological, social, and financial impact of acne on QoL and identified several unmet needs. Given the growing role of social media, these findings highlight opportunities for dermatologists and health professionals to educate and engage with the acne community through digital platforms.
Background:Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare, chronic, systemic inflammatory disease with an unpredictable and heterogeneous clinical course characterized by chronic symptoms and periods of flaring. GPP presents diagnostic challenges due to its rarity and high similarity to other dermatologic diseases. Objective:This study aimed to assess the performance of Legit.Health, a medical device powered by artificial intelligence software, in assisting health care practitioners (HCPs) in identifying GPP. Methods:The medical device used in this study includes a deep neural network for skin disease recognition trained on thousands of images of over 200 skin conditions (classified based on the International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision). The sensitivity and specificity of the algorithm for the differential diagnosis of GPP were assessed. Due to the scarcity of GPP-related images, the medical device was fine-tuned using a dataset that included 4397 new GPP images. Thereafter, 15 HCPs (n=11, 73.3% primary care practitioners and n=4, 26.7% dermatologists) prospectively reviewed a total of 100 images of 15 visually similar skin conditions virtually in a clinical setting. After their diagnostic prediction, Legit.Health provided a prompt giving them the top 5 possible skin conditions to assist them with their choice. Results:Legit.Health demonstrated high accuracy in identifying GPP, with top-1, top-3, and top-5 sensitivity and specificity of 0.80, 0.86, and 0.90 and 0.99, 0.99, and 0.96, respectively. Results showed a notable increase in the diagnostic accuracy of the HCPs with assistance from Legit.Health (P<.001), with an increase in GPP diagnostic accuracy of 22.97% overall, 24.24% for primary care practitioners, and 19.45% for dermatologists. Conclusions:This improvement highlights the potential of Legit.Health in assisting HCPs in diagnosing rare diseases such as GPP, particularly in primary care settings where expertise may be limited, thereby improving patient outcomes.
Abstract BackgroundChronic dermatologic conditions such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and hidradenitis suppurativa are associated with a high burden of psychiatric comorbidities, including depression, anxiety, and suicidality. Despite growing awareness of the psychosocial impact of skin diseases, mental health needs remain underaddressed in dermatologic care. Digital technologies (including teledermatology, mobile health apps, and internet-delivered psychotherapies) offer promising avenues for integrating psychotherapeutic and psychiatric interventions into dermatology. However, the scope, effectiveness, and implementation of such informatics-based approaches remain poorly mapped in the literature. ObjectiveThis scoping review aimed to systematically identify, categorize, and synthesize studies on digital psychotherapeutic and psychiatric interventions targeting patients with dermatological conditions, with a focus on clinical, mental health, and implementation outcomes. MethodsFollowing the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive search across 5 databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar) for articles published up to March 2025. Studies were included if they involved patients with dermatologic conditions and assessed interventions that combined a digital informatics component (eg, telehealth, apps, artificial intelligence, virtual platforms) with a psychotherapeutic or psychiatric element (eg, cognitive behavioral therapy [CBT], mindfulness, consult-liaison psychiatry). Eligible study designs included clinical trials, observational studies, and mixed methods research. Data were extracted systematically, and methodological quality was assessed using JBI tools. ResultsOut of 15,176 records identified, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most interventions targeted psoriasis (9/11) and used asynchronous digital platforms such as internet-based CBT and mobile apps. Across studies, dropout rates ranged from 10% to 76%. Improvements in dermatologic quality of life were reported in 6 of 11 studies, with statistically significant reductions in depression and anxiety observed in multiple trials (eg, internet-based CBT and mindfulness-based interventions), alongside reductions in psoriasis severity (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) and itch intensity in randomized controlled trials. Intervention duration ranged from single-session virtual reality exposure to 8‐ to 12-week structured programs. However, long-term outcomes beyond 3 to 12 months were rarely assessed, and reporting of sociodemographic variables and equity-related factors was limited. ConclusionsInformatics-based psychotherapeutic and psychiatric interventions represent a promising frontier in psychodermatology, with early evidence suggesting feasibility and potential clinical benefit. Digital platforms may expand access to mental health support and improve holistic care for patients with dermatologic conditions. However, significant gaps remain in terms of equity, long-term effectiveness, integration into clinical workflows, and adaptation for diverse populations. Future research should focus on rigorous, inclusive trials and the development of hybrid models that blend digital and face-to-face care to ensure sustainable and equitable impact.
