Impact of Social Media on Acne Treatment Practices in Egypt

Hadeer Fathy, M.B.B. Ch Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, EgyptFollow
Moheiddin Fakhry Alghobary, Professor and Head of Dermatology, Andrology and STDs Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt
Nada Mohmed Elhadidy, Assistant Professor of Industrial Medicine & Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt
Sara Hamdy Fouad, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Andrology and STDs, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt

Subject Area

Dermatology

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Background: Acne is one of the most prevalent global diseases, affecting up to 85% of adolescents and young adults and contributing to significant psychological burden. Despite available treatments, many patients rely on social media for guidance, where misinformation and unauthorized drug promotion can negatively influence Acne Vulgaris management.

Aim: The aim of this research is to determine the influence of social media information on the selected treatment method of Egyptian patients with Acne Vulgaris

Patients and methods: This is cross‑sectional study targets Acne Vulgaris patients aged ≥15 with current or past AV who use social media. Data was collected through an online self‑administered survey distributed across social platforms throughout 2025. Statistical analysis conducted using SPSS. Sample size was calculated using standard parameters (95% confidence, 5% margin of error, 45% prevalence), and the study gathered demographic, health, and treatment information from over 700 participants.

Results: Acne affected 70% of participants, with higher prevalence among females (71%) and urban residents (57%). Most cases were mild (64%), and acne peaked among individuals aged 20–22 years. Although males exhibited more severe acne, females reported greater psychosocial impact, contributing to the overall 70% who experienced reduced confidence. Treatment‑seeking behavior was high, particularly among those with medical backgrounds and among participants with more severe acne, all of whom sought professional care. Medical professionals were the primary information source, and treatment use was associated with markedly better outcomes (78% improvement vs. 43% among non‑users). Social media was widely used (62%) and its advice led to improvement for many (67%), though less effectively than medical guidance.

Conclusion: Acne was more common among females but more severe in males, with highest prevalence in urban residents and individuals aged 18–24. Active treatment under medical supervision yielded the best outcomes, whereas reliance on social media or no treatment was less effective. Social media provided accessible advice, mainly skincare routines and DIY remedies, but remained less reliable than dermatologist‑recommended evidence‑based treatments.

Recommended Citation

Fathy, Hadeer; Alghobary, Moheiddin Fakhry; Elhadidy, Nada Mohmed; and Fouad, Sara Hamdy (2026) "Impact of Social Media on Acne Treatment Practices in Egypt," Mansoura Medical Journal: Vol. 55 : Iss. 3 , Article 11.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.58775/2735-3990.1548