RESUMEN
Images on the homepages of private practice dermatology websites often do not reflect the racial diversity of the metropolitan area in which each practice is located. A Google Maps scraper (Apify) was used to identify websites for private practices in 27 United States metropolitan areas selected from the 2020 U.S. Census list of 100 largest areas where non-white individuals makeup more than 50% of the population. Homepages from the top ten websites listed by the search engine were analyzed for images, use of non-English language, and mention of "Skin of Color" or "Ethnic Skin." One hundred seventeen websites were included. Two mentioned "Skin of Color" or "Ethnic Skin"; seven mentioned a non-English language. A significantly lower percentage of non-white-presenting patients (p < 0.001) and providers (p < 0.001) were pictured on the selected dermatology websites than reported in the Census. These findings suggest that the images on the homepages of private practice dermatology websites were not reflective of the racial diversity of the metropolitan area in which each practice is located. Private practice dermatologists should be mindful of how their services are represented online, as it may dissuade potential minoritized patients from seeking dermatologic care.
RESUMEN
Background: Emoticons and emojis have become staple additions to modern-day communication. These graphical icons are now embedded in daily society through the various forms of popular social media and through users' personal electronic conversations. With ever-increasing use and inclusivity, exploration of the possible health care and dermatology applications of these tools is imperative. Objective: The goal of this narrative review was to provide and evaluate an up-to-date literature survey examining the utility of emoticons and emojis in medicine. Special attention was paid to their existing and potential uses in the field of dermatology, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A PubMed search of peer-reviewed publications was performed in mid-2021 to collect articles with emoticon or emoji keywords in combination with other health care-relevant or dermatology-relevant keywords. Screening of publications and described studies was performed by the authors with education and research experience in health care, dermatology, social media, and electronic communication trends. Selected articles were grouped based on common subjects for qualitative analysis and presentation for in-depth discussion. Results: From this extensive search, researchers were able to identify a wide variety of publications detailing the use of emoticons and emojis in general health care, pediatric health care, public health, and dermatology. Key subject areas that emerged from the investigation included the ability of emoticons and emojis to improve communication within pediatric health care, enhance mood and psychological assessment or mental health screening in adults, develop interventions to improve patient medication adherence, complement novel means of public health and COVID-19 surveillance, and bolster dermatology-specific applications. Conclusions: This review illuminated the repurposing of emojis and emoticons for a myriad of advantageous functions in health care and public health, with applications studied in many populations and situations. Dermatology-specific uses were relatively sparse in the literature, highlighting potential opportunities for growth in future studies and practices. The importance of diversity and inclusivity has extended to emojis, with the recent introduction of skin color customization and new emojis better representing the comprehensive spectrum of users' experiences. A continuously evolving and technology-driven population creates a unique niche for emoticons and emojis to ease worldwide communication and understanding, transcending the barriers of age, language, and background. We encourage future studies and innovations to better understand and expand their utility.
RESUMEN
Indoor tanning continues to remain common, despite evidence of an increased risk of skin cancer from artificial ultraviolet (UV) radiation. In the hopes of gaining customers, the tanning bed industry has marketed health benefits of indoor tanning such as increased vitamin D production, development of a base tan, enhanced mood, and treatment of certain dermatologic conditions. To better educate their patients, providers need a comprehensive reference reviewing the evidence that support or oppose these claims. In this work, we conducted an evidence-based review of the literature to identify and grade studies that investigate health claims related to UV exposure. Results indicate that there is little evidence to support each of these proposed health benefits. Tanning beds emit primarily UVA radiation, which is relatively ineffective at activating vitamin D or mood enhancing pathways, and the effects are minimal in regard to tanning beds generating a protective base tan or treating dermatologic conditions compared with the increased risk of skin cancer. Health care providers must continue to warn and educate patients about the misleading information propagated by the tanning bed industry as well as about the dangers of artificial UV radiation.