Lip health among maritime workers in the Baixada Santista Port Region — clinical evaluation and development of a protective moisturizer

BACKGROUND: Fishermen are among the occupational groups with substantial sun exposure and are prone to dehydration, sunburn, photoaging, actinic cheilitis, and oral cancer. The objective of this study was to evaluate the dermatological condition of the lips of fishermen in the Guarujá/Santos port region, investigate whether they use preventive measures to avoid such lesions, and develop a suitable product for lip protection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty participants underwent an initial clinical examination and photo-graphic documentation. All 30 participants received the developed lip protector, which contained UV filters and moisturizing agents. At re-evaluation one month later, 17 participants returned, corresponding to a loss to follow-up of 43.40%. RESULTS: All fishermen were male, with a minimum age of 23 and a maximum age of 74. When asked about lip balm use, only 1 of the 30 participants reported using it. At follow-up, among the 17 participants, only 1 reported using the provided lip balm and reapplying it during the day; this use was described as "sporadic." CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the need for educational strategies to promote lip protection and prevent potentially malignant lesions among outdoor workers exposed to ultraviolet radiation.