# The Role of TikTok in Education on Hidradenitis Suppurativa in Skin of Color: Cross-Sectional Analysis

## TL;DR

This study examines TikTok videos about hidradenitis suppurativa in Black skin, finding most are patient-made with limited physician involvement.

## Contribution

The study highlights the underrepresentation of medical professionals in patient-led discussions about hidradenitis suppurativa on TikTok.

## Key findings

- Nearly half of the TikTok videos were created by patients.
- Only 20% of videos involved dermatologists and 14% involved plastic surgeons.
- Most content focused on patient testimonials rather than professional guidance.

## Abstract

This study analyzed 50 TikTok videos returned by a search for “hidradenitis suppurativa in Black skin,” revealing that nearly half were patient-created, few had physician involvement (n=10, 20% dermatologists; n=7, 14% plastic surgeons), and few had commission-based (n=7, 14%) or sponsored content (n=2, 4%); they were predominantly patient testimonials on various treatments, highlighting the need for greater physician engagement to address patient needs, hidradenitis suppurativa product safety, and efficacy.