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AI may stumble on acne diagnosis

Dermatologists rated answers on diagnosis and treatment less favorably than responses addressing skin care and lifestyle.

  • By

  • Andrea Surnit

  • October 2, 2026

  • 3 min

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  • 1

    ChatGPT-5 provided appropriate responses 65% of the time in a study assessing acne-related questions.

  • 2

    Appropriateness ratings were highest for skin care (83%) and lowest for diagnosis and general information (33%).

  • 3

    Misleading information was the most common reason for inappropriate responses, accounting for 10 out of 26 cases.

  • 4

    Inter-rater agreement among dermatologists was low, indicating variability in classification thresholds.

  • 5

    The study cautioned against using AI for diagnosis or treatment without dermatologist oversight and appropriate disclosures.

Original Source(s)

AI may stumble on acne diagnosis

  • by Andrea Surnit

  • October 2, 2026

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