Prevalence and factors associated to actinic cheilitis in beach workers

Assess the prevalence and potential factors associated to actinic cheilitis (AC) in workers exposed to the sun.

Workers assigned to urban beaches in a city in Northeastern Brazil completed a questionnaire containing personal and health data. Lips were examined to identify AC.

A total of 362 workers, of which 15.5% exhibited AC, were examined. Among those with AC, there was a prevalence of males (86%), aged 37years or older (61.4%) and light-skinned (52.6%). They were undocumented (96.5%), exposed to the sun (84.2%), worked up to 6h daily (57.9%), five or more times per week (52.6%), and for more than 8years (54.4%). Photoprotection was used by 89.5%, including sunscreen (42.0%), lip protector (17.5%), and cap/hat (87.7%). Approximately 30% smoked and 29.8% consumed alcohol, 56.2% over two standard shots per day. Most (91.2%) ate healthy food five or more times per week. Being male, aged 37years or older, having up to 6years of schooling, being light-skinned, wearing a cap/hat, and using sunscreen were factors associated to AC.

A high prevalence of actinic AC was observed. Special attention should be given to individuals chronically exposed to UV radiation, with the institution of educational, preventive, and curative measures.