Google searches in patient self-care increase during the COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Tamara Searle, Firas Al-Niaimi, Faisal R. Ali
Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2020)

To the Editor: The recently published article by Guzman and Barbieri1Guzman A.K. Barbieri J.S. Analysis of dermatology-related search engine trends during the COVID-19 pandemic: implications for patient demand for outpatient services and telehealth.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020; 83: 963-965Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (17) Google Scholar provides useful insight into the dermatologic concerns of the public before and after entering periods of lockdown during COVID-19, recapitulating our own findings in the United Kingdom.2Searle T. Al-Niaimi F. Ali F.R. Dermatological insights from Google Trends: what does the public think is important during COVID-19 lockdown?.Clin Exp Dermatol. 2020; https://doi.org/10.1111/ced.14319Crossref Scopus (5) Google Scholar However, a facet we believe the authors' analysis has overlooked is an increased interest in conditions patients can self-treat. In our UK population, we noticed an increase in searches for warts, acne, and laser hair removal after lockdown,2Searle T. Al-Niaimi F. Ali F.R. Dermatological insights from Google Trends: what does the public think is important during COVID-19 lockdown?.Clin Exp Dermatol. 2020; https://doi.org/10.1111/ced.14319Crossref Scopus (5) Google Scholar terms that were also searched more frequently in the United States after lockdown (increases of 2%, 6%, and 12%, respectively). Although routine clinics have been closed, there appears to have been interest in skin conditions that are perceived to be amenable to self-treatment.1Guzman A.K. Barbieri J.S. Analysis of dermatology-related search engine trends during the COVID-19 pandemic: implications for patient demand for outpatient services and telehealth.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020; 83: 963-965Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (17) Google Scholar Additional attention of dermatologists and manufacturers should be focused on augmenting educational resources and validating the safety and efficacy of over-the-counter treatments and home-use devices,3Ali F.R. Al-Niaimi F. Interrogation of safety and efficacy of home-use light-based devices.Br J Dermatol. 2020; https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.19212Crossref Scopus (1) Google Scholar which patients may turn to during these times. Analysis of dermatology-related search engine trends during the COVID-19 pandemic: Implications for patient demand for outpatient services and telehealthJournal of the American Academy of DermatologyVol. 83Issue 3PreviewTo the Editor: Amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, dermatologists face the challenge of providing care while adhering to guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The American Academy of Dermatology has advised limiting nonessential in-person visits1 and provided guidance to accelerate telehealth services.2 However, little is known regarding how the dermatologic needs of patients have evolved during this public health crisis. The objective of this study was to use the Google Trends search volume index, a normalized value from 0 to 100, to examine patient interest in skin conditions and procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Full-Text PDF