Radical Digital Shift for Acne Patients
Acne affects 9.4% of the global population – or over 750 million people! Yet, millions of these individuals remain outside the dermatology care system. Shockingly, between 300 to 500 million acne sufferers aren't receiving the proper medical attention, often relying on over-the-counter (OTC) treatments and online searches for information. In fact, 49% of patients turn to Google as their primary resource, exposing them to risks like incorrect product usage or unvetted app recommendations that lack dermatological input and transparency in algorithm development, user privacy, and data usage.?
The?digital landscape presents a tremendous opportunity. By leveraging innovative digital health tools, OTC brands can engage directly with acne sufferers who are underserved by traditional healthcare providers. This "radical digital shift" allows companies to offer clinically supported dermocosmetics that are endorsed by dermatologists and backed by evidence.?
An interesting recent publication (see authors below) on the use of dermocosmetics in acne highlights their effectiveness, both as a standalone treatment in milder cases and as a maintenance solution post-medication. With the right digital strategy, these proven treatments can finally reach millions of untreated patients. The digital revolution in acne management is here, offering a new path to care for the millions who have long been overlooked. Now is the time for dermocosmetic brands to step up and bridge this gap.
List of Authors: Diane Thiboutot Alison Layton Ibrahima Traore Gabriela Gontijo Patricia Troielli Quiang Ju Kurokawa Ichiro Brigitte Dreno
Thank you Dr Delphine Kerob for pointing it out.
Prof. Dr. Ibrahima Traoré, MD, MSc, PhD | Dermatologist | Expert in the Skin of Color Dermatology | Director of the Dermatology Clinic of Guinea | Founder of 'Worldwide Dermatology Collaboration
5 个月Dominique du Crest , thank for sharing. I am honored to see our work highlighted in this important publication, which addresses a critical issue: the need for proper dermatological care for the millions of people suffering from acne worldwide. As mentioned, many patients resort to non-medical solutions and often inaccurate information online, which can worsen their condition. Our article emphasizes the effectiveness of dermocosmetics, not only as a standalone treatment for milder forms of acne but also as a maintenance solution after medical treatment. The rise of digital tools in dermatology presents an unprecedented opportunity to reach underserved patients and provide them with clinically validated solutions. I truly believe that collaboration between dermatologists, dermocosmetic companies, and digital platforms can revolutionize acne care on a global scale.