A Social Media-Based Public Health Campaign to Reduce Indoor Tanning in High-Risk Populations

Assessing the Feasibility and Effectiveness of Screening for Indoor Tanning in the Primary Care Setting: A Report of Preliminary Findings

Introduction

Indoor tanning is a major modifiable risk factor in the development of both melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers. Investigation of behavior-altering interventions is an area of active research. As with other preventive measures, screening of high-risk populations can be an important aspect of a multimodality public health intervention. This study sought to further the limited understanding of indoor tanning screening practices in the primary care setting.

Methods

Physicians practicing within the scope of primary care in the northeast were surveyed in 2022 on practice patterns around the frequency of indoor tanning screening, barriers encountered with implementing screening, and actions taken with a positive screen. Research methodology adhered to the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist.

Results

Of 26 primary care physicians, only 7.7% routinely screened for indoor tanning. Barriers identified included time limitations (76.9%) and prioritization of other health concerns (96.2%). All primary care physicians (100%) reacted to reports of indoor tanning with an intervention, most commonly counseling on the risks of indoor tanning (92.6%).

Conclusions

This data suggest that screening for indoor tanning use could be improved. The authors recommend the incorporation of a standardized screening question regarding indoor tanning in intake forms.

A cross-sectional content quality analysis of information in TikTok videos on "Dermarolling (Roller Microneedling)"

BACKGROUND

TikTok is one of the fastest-growing social media platform, and its short-form videos have become a widely used source of health information. "Dermarolling" is a form of roller microneedling often practiced at home, and patients may be using TikTok to inform their decision to pursue this treatment and their practice of it.

AIMS

This study assessed the informational content quality, source, and engagement of TikTok dermarolling videos to highlight potentially harmful social media trends.

METHODS

On a predetermined date, "dermarolling" was searched on TikTok. The top 75 results were screened. Number of views, creator type, type of video, and whether risks were discussed were recorded. Information quality was assessed using the DISCERN tool. The data were stratified by creator type, and statistical analysis was performed using R version 4.3.2. Median viewership and DISCERN scores were compared using Kruskal-Wallis tests with post hoc pairwise Wilcoxon tests. Fisher's exact test was used to compare rates of risk discussion between groups.

RESULTS

Sixty-one of the reviewed videos met the inclusion criteria. Influencer videos engaged the largest overall audience and had higher median viewership than other creators. Physicians, primarily dermatologists, created exclusively educational content and influencers created mostly experience-based content. Overall content quality was generally low-moderate, with a median (IQR) DISCERN score of 30.5 (26.5-33.5). Physician content had higher median DISCERN scores than influencers (p = 0.004) and others (p = 0.004). Physicians were more likely to discuss risks compared to influencers (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

TikTok content on "dermarolling" was of relatively low quality, and nonphysicians command a large viewership. Physician-created content is often of higher informational quality, and dermatologists should escalate their efforts to engage patients in this space to mitigate the effects of potential misinformation.

Recent-Onset Melanoma and the Implications of the Excessive Use of Tanning Devices-Case Report and Review of the Literature

Introduction: Melanoma, a malignant tumor arising from uncontrolled melanocytic proliferation, commonly found in the skin but capable of affecting extracutaneous sites, ranks fifth among diagnosed oncological entities and is a significant cause of cancer deaths, constituting over 80% of skin cancer mortality. Genetic factors and ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure, from both natural and artificial sources, are the primary risk factors. Case Presentation: We reported the case of a 25-year-old female with numerous pigmented nevi and notable changes attributed to extensive indoor tanning sessions. Dermatological examinations and dermoscopic evaluations revealed atypical features in two pigmented nevi, leading to surgical excision. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses confirmed a compound nevus in one lesion and superficial spreading melanoma in the other, emphasizing the importance of vigilant follow-up and the correct use of immunohistochemistry. Discussion: Indoor tanning significantly elevates the cutaneous melanoma risk, with initiation before age 35 amplifying the risk by up to 75%, especially in young women. The risk escalates with cumulative sessions, particularly exceeding 480, and individuals undergoing over 30 sessions face a 32% higher risk. UVR induces DNA damage, genetic mutations, and immunosuppression, contributing to oncogenesis. Genetic factors, like the PTCHD2 gene, may influence the tanning dependency. Legislation targeting minors has been enacted globally but only with partial efficacy. Tanning accelerators, though associated with minor side effects, correlate with high-risk behaviors. The case underscores the urgency of addressing indoor tanning risks, emphasizing targeted awareness efforts and legislative improvements. Conclusions: In conclusion, the reported case highlights the increased risk of cutaneous melanoma linked to indoor tanning, particularly among young women and specific sociodemographic groups. Despite legislative measures, challenges persist, suggesting the potential efficacy of online campaigns involving relatable influencers to raise awareness and discourage artificial tanning.