Speak Clearly: Perspectives on psoriasis

Let’s face it: social media can be a minefield when you’re looking for helpful health advice. If you live with psoriasis you’ve probably seen all sorts of tips, tricks and so-called cures pop up on your feed. Some sound amazing. Some sound dodgy. But how do you tell what’s legitimate?

From heartfelt testimonials to miracle cures, the posts that go viral over social often tug at our emotions or promise too-good-to-be-true results. The catch? Not everything you read has real science behind it. Unfortunately when it comes to psoriasis, online forums and social content can be rife with alternative remedies that have very little if any evidence at all to back them up.[1]

Many of the social platforms have loosened their fact-checking policies and it’s hard sometimes to figure if something is legitimate. Some academic studies have estimated misinformation affects up to 30% of all online health content![2]^{, [3]}

Online misinformation about skin conditions is particularly widespread. Part of the problem is that skin issues are visual and make good content, especially if someone is using ‘before and after’ photos to try and sell something.

The risks of falling for misinformation range from wasting time and money to far worse consequences, including harming your skin and overall health. In 2024 researchers in the UK looked at psoriasis-related videos on TikTok and found nearly 50% of content generated by people with psoriasis was about removing psoriatic plaques using a fine-tooth comb – something that may actually prolong and even worsen psoriasis.[4]^,[5]

So how do you tell if something is too good to be true? There’s some ‘red flag’ language to be wary of that can help you filter out content that lacks credibility:

• What your dermatologist won’t tell you…
• Big pharma doesn’t want you to know this…
• Heal from the inside out
• Treat the root cause, not the symptom
• 100% natural, 100% safe
• Clean, chemical-free, toxin-free, risk-free
• Ancient remedy used for thousands of years
• You don’t need a diagnosis, you need a reset
• Everything starts in the gut
• This was banned because it works!
• Detox your liver / Clean your blood

When it comes to finding reliable information online here’s some things you can do:

• Stick with the experts: rely on organisations like Psoriasis Australia, the Australasian College of Dermatologists, and reputable online health sites like Healthdirect.
• Follow verified health organisations and health professionals on social media.
• Look for evidence-based publications and studies that have rigour behind them, not just personal stories or blogs.

Ask yourself, is the information trustworthy? Check first who is giving the advice. Is it a health professional, or someone who stands to profit from selling a ‘miracle treatment’? Are they quoting scientific studies, or just saying ‘trust me’?

Social media can help you connect, but it’s not always the best place for medical advice. Trust the experts, check the facts, and remember - there’s no quick fix, but there is good quality information and support out there for every Australian with psoriasis.

Always speak with your health professional about the best way to manage your psoriasis and be wary of the ‘overnight cures’ and ‘miracle fixes’ that can in some cases cause you more harm.

_{[1] Trepanowski, N & Grant-Kils JM. Social media dermatologic advice: dermatology without dermatologists. JAAD Int 2023;12:101-2}

_{[2] Suarez-Lledo V, et al. Prevalence of Health Misinformation on Social Media: Systematic Review. J Med Internet Res 2021;23(1):e17187}

_{[3] Borges do Nascimento IJ, et al. Infodemics and health misinformation: a systematic review of reviews. Bull World Health Organ. 2022;100(9):544-56149.}

_{[4] Ahmed, H. Descaling psoriasis narratives on TikTok: a cross sectional study. Skin Research and Technology. 2024; 30(7):e13877}

_{[5] Wozel, G. Psoriasis treatment in difficult location: scalp, nails, and intertriginous areas. Clinics in Dermatology, 2008; 26(5):448-459}