Survey Defining Lip Health-Dermatology and Health Care Providers' Perspectives.

Background: There currently exists no consensus on objective features which are relevant in the assessment of overall lip health.

Aims: This study seeks to identify features and factors that are associated with healthy lips. This survey will ultimately enable clinicians to objectively track lip health for clinical evaluations and clinical research.

Methods: An anonymous survey was conducted among allied healthcare professionals in-person and through email. The survey contained questions designed to assess the importance of features of lip health using a 5-point Likert scale. Features included lack of lip dryness; even tone or lack of hyperpigmentation; lip smoothness; lip color; lip shine, radiance, or luster; definition of the vermillion border/defined lip contour; lip fullness or plumpness; lack of lip lines; and lip firmness. The final questions prompted respondents to select the top three most important features when assessing lip health and to provide any additional pertinent factors.

Results: A total of 334 responses were received, including board-certified dermatologists (35.9%), dermatology residents (14.7%), and other healthcare specialties (49.4%). The features most cited were lack of lip dryness (65.8%), lip smoothness (38.4%), even tone or lack of hyperpigmentation (38.1%), definition of the vermillion border/defined lip contour (28.0%). Survey results reveal that lip dryness, lip smoothness, lack of hyperpigmentation, and definition of the vermillion border/defined lip contour were the features most associated with lip health.

Conclusion: The results from this survey will provide a basis for future research in the field of lip health, research, and clinical treatment.