Clin Exp Dermatol. 2022 Mar 26. doi: 10.1111/ced.15194. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The term topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) describes an adverse effect that generally occurs with inappropriate prolonged use of high-potency topical corticosteroids (TCS). The presence of user-generated content relating to TSW on social media has not been well-defined to date.
OBJECTIVE: We aimed to explore content relating to topical steroid withdrawal on social media.
METHODS: Using a data analytics platform, we retrospectively analysed the hashtag #topicalsteroidwithdrawal on social media over a 5 year period, from the 8th of February 2016 until the 8th of February 2021. We assessed: interactions, performance, shares, likes, mentions, language and country of origin using descriptive statistics.
RESULTS: Across all social media platforms there was a 274% increase in mentions of the hashtag #topicalsteroidwithdrawal in the year 2020(7992) compared with the year 2016(2138). Top associated hashtags included #TSW, #eczema, and #topicalsteroidaddiction. On Instagram, we found a 288% increase in number of mentions and a 592% increase in performance of #topicalsteroidwithdrawal in 2020(618,354) when compared to 2016(89,390).
CONCLUSION: Our results confirm an increase in the presence of user-generated content relating to TSW on social media and also highlight its extent. Large numbers of patients are exposed to this content which could influence their engagement with TCS.
PMID:35340034 | DOI:10.1111/ced.15194
