The Study about Information of Skin Disease on the Internet: Acne

Jeong, Do Seon; Kim, Chi Yeon

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The internet is a growing source of information for patients, with increasing numbers of people searching for health information on the web. Patients with acne attempt to search for medical information from the internet.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to investigate the current information of acne on the internet.
METHODS
We chose the largest portal sites to investigate the current information of acne and search for 'acne'.
RESULTS
5.3% of the information provided by question-and-answer platform were written by dermatologist. 0.7% of the information provided by personal blog were written by dermatologist. 1.4% of the information provided by internet message board were written by dermatologist. Overall, only 2.4% of the information were written by dermatologist for provide the medical information.
CONCLUSION
The internet provides a great deal of information in many types of resources. However, the quality of information has been more of a concern. Dermatologists should continue to counteract inaccurate information by providing quality information on the internet. Dermatologists should be more aware of the health-related online information and should guide patients to take the accurate information.