A qualitative analysis of online misinformation and conspiracy theories in psoriasis

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Date
2021-12-02
Authors
Roche, Darren
Murphy, Michelle
O'Connor, Cathal
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Publisher
John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Published Version
10.1111/ced.15041
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Abstract
Psoriasis is a chronic, hereditary disease with a complex immunopathogenesis, rendering it susceptible to misinformation. Misinformation related to psoriasis can have negative effects both on the public perception of psoriasis and on patients’ knowledge of psoriasis. To characterize misinformation related to psoriasis available online, we performed a formal literature review via PubMed and a thematic review via Google. Key themes of misinformation included ‘victim-blaming’ (hygiene), ‘vector’ (contagion), ‘vaccination’, ‘vilification’ of conventional therapy, ‘validation’ of natural treatment and diet, ‘veneration’ of cures and ‘vocalization’ from celebrities. Misinformation related to psoriasis is pervasive on social media and other websites. Dermatologists, as patient advocates, should be aware of the content of misinformation available online and combat misleading health information to optimize health out-comes for patients with psoriasis.
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Keywords
Psoriasis , Misinformation , Victim-blaming , Natural treatment
Citation
Roche, R., Murphy, M. and O’Connor, C. (2021) 'A qualitative analysis of online misinformation and conspiracy theories in psoriasis', Clinical and Experimental Dermatology. doi: 10.1111/ced.15041
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https://hdl.handle.net/10468/12579
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Medicine - Journal Articles
Copyright
© 2021, British Association of Dermatologists. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. This is the peer reviewed version of the following item: Roche, R., Murphy, M. and O’Connor, C. (2021) 'A qualitative analysis of online misinformation and conspiracy theories in psoriasis', Clinical and Experimental Dermatology. doi: 10.1111/ced.15041, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1111/ced.15041. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions.