Evaluation of lip diseases in peddlers on two beaches of Guarujá/Brazil: An observational study.

Abstract

Sun exposure is responsible for most lip lesions and, when diagnosed late, the prognosis is unfavorable. Treatments are usually mutilating, palliative, and expensive. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of lip diseases and factors associated with its development in peddlers on two beaches of the Guarujá/Brazil coast. Data were collected by clinical examination and use of a questionnaire of 182 peddlers on the beaches. They also received an explanatory folder with information about oral care, and the importance of the use of sunscreen for cancer prevention. All workers diagnosed with lip injuries were referred for dental treatment. The prevalence of lip alterations was 40.7% (n = 70), furthermore, smokers included 27.5%, and alcohol consumption was 20.3%. Regarding selfie protection, 72% of workers reported wearing a hat or cap frequently, 48.4% reported using body sunscreen, and only 11.5% reported using lip balm. There were no significant differences in factors such as alcoholism and smoking related to lip lesions diagnosis. However, when characterizing these factors, 48.6% of those who drink, or smoke have lip alterations. It can be concluded that the population of peddlers on the beaches of Guarujá has a high rate of lip alteration which suggests the need to implement educational health strategies aimed at informing the population about risk factors and preventive measures for lip diseases.