Decoding Psoriasis on Twitter: What the Social Media Buzz Reveals About Treatments and Real Concerns

Samir D’Costa in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Uncover the surprising trends, hidden anxieties, and unexpected dietary beliefs shaping the psoriasis conversation online. Are social platforms changing how we approach treatment and support?"

In today's connected world, social media platforms like Twitter have become vibrant hubs for health-related discussions. People readily share their experiences, seek advice, and voice their opinions on various medical conditions and treatments. Psoriasis, a chronic skin disease affecting millions worldwide, is no exception. But what exactly are people saying about psoriasis on Twitter, and what can we learn from these online conversations?

A recent study delved into the world of psoriasis-related tweets to uncover prevailing trends, common concerns, and surprising beliefs surrounding the condition and its management. By analyzing thousands of tweets, researchers gained valuable insights into patient perspectives, treatment preferences, and the role of social media in shaping the psoriasis narrative.

This article unpacks the key findings of this study, exploring the most discussed treatments, the anxieties patients express, and the unexpected popularity of dietary interventions. Join us as we navigate the psoriasis conversation on Twitter and uncover the real-world implications for patients and healthcare professionals alike.

Psoriasis Treatments Trending on Twitter: Beyond the Prescription Pad

Surreal illustration of psoriasis discussions on Twitter.

The study identified over 5,500 tweets discussing psoriasis treatments within a two-week period. Dietary interventions emerged as a surprisingly popular topic, with discussions around fruits, vegetables, vitamins, herbal remedies, and spices dominating the conversation. Topical therapies, including various oils, corticosteroids, and Vitamin D derivatives, also featured prominently. This indicates a strong interest in non-prescription and alternative approaches to managing psoriasis symptoms.

While conventional treatments like corticosteroids and biologics were mentioned, the focus on dietary and alternative therapies highlights a potential gap in patient education and a desire for more natural or holistic approaches. It also suggests that patients may be actively seeking information and support outside of traditional healthcare settings.

Dietary Interventions: Dominated the conversation, indicating a strong interest in natural approaches.
Topical Therapies: Oils, corticosteroids, and Vitamin D derivatives were frequently discussed.
Systemic and Biologic Therapies: Treatments like piclidenosine, methotrexate, and ixekizumab were also mentioned, but less frequently than dietary options.
Alternative Therapies: Homeopathy, Chinese medicine, and Ayurveda were discussed, showcasing interest in holistic approaches.
Ultraviolet Therapy: Both natural and artificial UV therapy were mentioned, highlighting its role in psoriasis management.

Interestingly, the study found no tweets suggesting the use of sunbeds as a treatment for psoriasis. This could reflect growing awareness of the risks associated with sunbed use and a preference for safer alternatives like natural sunlight or prescribed UV therapy.

Empowering Patients, Informing Clinicians: The Path Forward

The study's findings underscore the importance of open communication between patients and healthcare professionals. By understanding the beliefs, concerns, and treatment preferences expressed on social media, clinicians can better address individual needs and provide tailored guidance. Encouraging patients to share their experiences and connect with others online can also foster a sense of community and empower them to take an active role in their psoriasis management.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1111/bjd.17452, Alternate LINK

Title: Social Media And Psoriasis Treatment: What Are People Saying On Twitter?

Subject: Dermatology

Journal: British Journal of Dermatology

Publisher: Wiley

Authors: S. Menzies, S. Daly, D.B. Mckenna

Published: 2019-06-01

Everything You Need To Know

What psoriasis treatments are people discussing most on Twitter?

Discussions on Twitter reveal that dietary interventions, including fruits, vegetables, vitamins, herbal remedies, and spices, are a popular topic when it comes to psoriasis treatments. Topical therapies like oils, corticosteroids, and Vitamin D derivatives also feature prominently. While systemic and biologic therapies such as piclidenosine, methotrexate, and ixekizumab, along with alternative therapies like homeopathy, Chinese medicine, and Ayurveda, as well as ultraviolet therapy are mentioned, they are less frequently discussed than dietary options. It's interesting to note that the use of sunbeds isn't suggested which could reflect growing awareness of the risks associated with sunbed use and a preference for safer alternatives like natural sunlight or prescribed UV therapy. Overall, the trending discussions indicate a considerable interest in non-prescription and alternative approaches to managing psoriasis symptoms.

Why is there so much conversation around dietary interventions for psoriasis on social media?

The high level of discussion about dietary interventions for psoriasis, including the use of fruits, vegetables, vitamins, herbal remedies, and spices, likely indicates a strong interest in natural and holistic approaches to managing the condition. This suggests that many patients may be actively seeking information and support outside of traditional healthcare settings. The focus on dietary interventions could also reflect a perceived gap in patient education regarding conventional treatments like corticosteroids and biologics, leading individuals to explore alternative methods they believe may be more accessible or have fewer side effects.

What does the focus on alternative psoriasis treatments on Twitter imply for doctors?

The significant interest in alternative psoriasis treatments such as homeopathy, Chinese medicine, and Ayurveda on platforms like Twitter highlights the importance of open communication between patients and healthcare professionals. Clinicians should be aware of these trends and understand that patients may be exploring options beyond traditional medicine. Addressing patient beliefs, concerns, and treatment preferences can help provide tailored guidance and integrate conventional treatments with complementary approaches where appropriate. Recognizing the appeal of these alternative methods allows for more informed and effective discussions about psoriasis management.

What conventional treatments are talked about for psoriasis on Twitter?

While dietary interventions and topical treatments dominate the conversation around psoriasis on Twitter, conventional treatments like corticosteroids, biologics (such as ixekizumab), systemic therapies like methotrexate, and therapies like piclidenosine are also mentioned. Ultraviolet therapy, both natural and artificial, receives some discussion as well. However, these conventional options are generally discussed less frequently than dietary and alternative approaches. The study shows that patients seek information and support outside of traditional healthcare settings.

How can healthcare professionals use social media insights to improve psoriasis care?

Insights from social media platforms like Twitter can help healthcare professionals better understand the beliefs, concerns, and treatment preferences of psoriasis patients. By monitoring online conversations, clinicians can identify trending topics, popular alternative therapies, and common anxieties related to conventional treatments like corticosteroids and biologics. This knowledge can inform patient education efforts, facilitate more personalized treatment plans, and foster a stronger sense of community by encouraging patients to share their experiences and connect with others online. Furthermore, this helps bridge potential gaps in patient understanding and empowers them to take a more active role in managing their condition with topical therapies, dietary interventions and systemic treatments.