TikTok as a Source of Medical Information: Port Wine Stain Birthmarks and Treatment Using Vascular Lasers

• Published in: Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) Vol. 15; no. 9; p. e45119
• Main Authors: Tolson, Hannah, Wenger, Danielle, McCune, Mariana, Alzahrani, Fatmah, Dupuy, Elizabeth
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Palo Alto Cureus Inc 12-09-2023; Cureus
• Subjects: Content creation; Dermatology; False information; Healthcare Technology; Lasers; Medical personnel; Medicine; Osteopathic medicine; Patients; Physicians; Public Health; Social networks; United States > US
• ISSN: 2168-8184; 2168-8184
• DOI: 10.7759/cureus.45119

Background: As social media usage grows, more patients are turning to various platforms to gain and share medical information. One platform, TikTok, has become immensely popular, with over one billion users. Despite its potential use as an educational tool, TikTok can be unreliable and misleading as a medical information source.Objective: We aim to discuss the information available on TikTok regarding laser treatment for port wine stains (PWS).Methods: Two independent reviewers analyzed 200 TikTok videos with the hashtags #portwinestainlaser or #portwinestaintreatment, examining the video creator’s role (e.g., patient, parent, physician, or other), tone towards PWS and treatment options, and content (e.g., educational or non-educational, mention of any treatment risks).Results: Most videos were produced by non-medical professionals (83%), and only a small number discussed the potential adverse effects of PWS treatment options (15%).Conclusion: While TikTok may have a role in educating patients about certain dermatologic conditions and treatment options, it is important to encourage patients to seek medical advice from a qualified medical professional before making any treatment decisions. Furthermore, the future of patient education may need to evolve to include social media platforms.