Sunlight Exposure on the Facial Region of Professional Fishermen: Risk Factors Unveiled

Abstract

Aims: The coastal regions, due to the professional opportunities related to the sea and the beach, have in their population many individuals who are exposed to the sun daily. Among these professions we can mention fishermen, sailors, dockers and beach vendors. This project aims to evaluate photoexposure, habits and risk factors for the development of lesions in the head and neck region and knowledge of professional fishermen. Study Design: Observational study. Place and Duration of Study: Port region of Baixada Santista, SP, Brazil, between November 2022 and March 2023. Methodology: Individuals who work professionally in industrial boat fishing (n=24) and individuals who neither work nor expose themselves to the sun were selected for control (n=24). Participants answered questions, in order to obtain information about their habits and work activity. They were asked about working hours, time working in the activity, time of exposure to the sun and sun protection. Subsequently, the participants underwent an intra- and extra-oral clinical examination. Results: The questionnaire results show that most fishermen do not use sunscreen or lip balm, despite the reported high sun exposure. Lip dryness was the most observed aspect in the Fishermen Group, being present in the vast majority of participants (90.47%), compared to 23% in the Control Group. Conclusion: The clinical relevance of our study lies in the findings that show the necessity to prevent lip dryness and its possible consequences in professional fishermen. There is a need for information regarding lip protection and hydration for this population.