The Rise of Digital Quackery in Dermatology: A Call for Action

Experts at the Dakshin Health Summit in Hyderabad on November 9, 2025, highlighted a growing concern in India regarding the rise of "digital quackery" in dermatology. Unqualified influencers and unethical endorsements are promoting unsafe skin treatments on social media, leading to significant public health risks. Dermatologists warn that the proliferation of do-it-yourself (DIY) skincare trends and misleading product endorsements is contributing to a crisis in skin health, with patients reporting severe adverse effects such as burns and kidney damage.

The skin under the filter: How social media ‘quackery’ is harming dermatology and trust

Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh, a senior pediatrician, emphasized that ethical medical practice prohibits doctors from endorsing products on social media. She stated, “If you want to be a 100 percent ethical doctor, you cannot endorse any brand or product on social media.” This sentiment was echoed by Dr. Rajetha Damisetty, who noted that many doctors are unaware of their ethical violations when they promote products online. The Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL) has issued guidelines against such endorsements, but enforcement remains weak.

The skin under the filter: How social media ‘quackery’ is harming dermatology and trust

The trend of DIY skincare has led to an increase in patients suffering from chemical burns and other skin issues. Dr. Avinash Pravin recounted a case where a patient used an influencer-promoted "onion peeling oil" containing high levels of glycolic acid, resulting in severe burns. Additionally, the sale of mercury-laden fairness creams, despite being banned, continues to pose a health hazard. Dermatologists argue that the lack of access to affordable dermatological care drives individuals toward these dangerous alternatives.

The skin under the filter: How social media ‘quackery’ is harming dermatology and trust

The panelists acknowledged that socioeconomic factors contribute to the reliance on unsafe beauty shortcuts. Dr. Santosh pointed out that many individuals cannot afford private dermatology services, leading them to seek quick and cheap fixes online. Dr. Damisetty highlighted the need for verified medical information in regional languages to counteract the influence of unqualified influencers.

The skin under the filter: How social media ‘quackery’ is harming dermatology and trust

Dr. Karishni Chittarvu discussed the psychological effects of social media on younger generations, noting the phenomenon of "Snapchat dysmorphia," where individuals desire to look like their edited selfies. This unrealistic beauty standard can lead to anxiety and low self-esteem, pushing young people toward unsafe beauty practices in search of quick results.

The skin under the filter: How social media ‘quackery’ is harming dermatology and trust

The dermatology community is calling for stronger regulations and public awareness campaigns to combat misinformation. Dr. Damisetty advocated for more "docfluencers" — qualified doctors using social media responsibly to disseminate accurate information. The consensus among experts is that while social media is not inherently harmful, its misuse poses significant risks to public health.

The skin under the filter: How social media ‘quackery’ is harming dermatology and trust

As India navigates its digital health revolution, dermatologists stress the urgency of updating medical ethics frameworks to address the challenges posed by social media. Dr. Santosh concluded, “Unless we make ethical, evidence-based information accessible and affordable, unsafe shortcuts will keep filling the gap we leave empty.” The call for action is clear: a collective effort is needed to reclaim the digital space from misinformation and protect public health.

The skin under the filter: How social media ‘quackery’ is harming dermatology and trust