An Interesting Conversation with ChatGPT about Acne Vulgaris
Shreya Deoghare
Abstract
Dear Editor, OpenAI is a San Francisco-based artificial intelligence (AI) research and development company that aims to design safe AI software that can benefit humanity.[1] Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT) is a chatbot launched by OpenAI in November 2022.[1] It employs language processing and machine learning to enable users to have conversational interactions with a virtual assistant.[2] ChatGPT has sparkled global interest by creating realistic and intelligent sounding text, often indistinguishable from human-written content. In a study, human reviewers erroneously classified 32% of the generated abstracts as genuine, as ChatGPT’s creations skillfully evaded plagiarism checks.[3] Scientific research is crucial for evidence-based treatments, but ethical concerns have emerged due to ChatGPT’s inability to produce accurate abstracts, compounded by the absence of automated tools to verify their originality and accuracy.[3] With ChatGPT receiving extensive attention, the day when the general public starts using it to explore personal dermatological issues is not far away. A recent study reported that ChatGPT generated quality and empathetic responses to patient questions posed in an online forum.[4] Acne vulgaris is a common disorder, with a prevalence of 70% among adolescents in India. Complications such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and acne scars are a major cause of psychological distress to the patients.[5] These adolescents are more likely to experiment with newer technologies and AI such as ChatGPT, to look for quick solutions to their problems on online forums. Table 1 describes a conversation comprising of ten questions, between a common man and ChatGPT about acne vulgaris.Table 1: Conversation with ChatGPT about acne vulgarisAs per our observation, ChatGPT generates detailed write-up with largely correct information in an easy-to- understand language such as “stress can also lead to increased production of oil in the skin and can exacerbate existing acne.” It is interesting to observe that ChatGPT conveys realistic information such as “it is not always possible to completely cure acne” and directs users to “consult a dermatologist for treatment.” It also generates information such as over-the-counter medications used to treat acne vulgaris and avoiding use of adapalene in pregnancy. ChatGPT addresses the concerns of acne patients, providing empathetic responses. However, the unverified nature of these responses poses a challenge in terms of authenticity, as they lack any cited sources or references to validate the information. Although language learning models (LLMS) like ChatGPT can play a major role in clinical information retrieval in future, it is limited by the fact that responses generated are non-deterministic as it generates vastly different responses to minor changes in input. ChatGPT can assist dermatologists in promptly providing empathetic and high-quality information to address patient concerns through online platforms and consultations. Dermatologists can also contribute to monitoring and regulating this information by cross-referencing it with reliable sources like medical journals, thereby ensuring dissemination of accurate and verified information. Further research should be directed at quantifying the reliability and accuracy of ChatGPT generated responses to patient queries. A collaboration of dermatologists interested in AI could possibly lead to development of a new AI software based on LLMS that will have the ability to generate verified responses of high quality and reliability in response to patient queries. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.