Resumo

CINTRA, José Silvino et al. Actinic cheilitis: Epidemiological study in the rural municipality of Piracaia - SP. Rev. Assoc. Paul. Cir. Dent. [online]. 2013, vol.67, n.2, pp. 118-121. ISSN 0004-5276.

The actinic cheilitis is a lesion located at lower lip defined as a degenerative condition of the lining epithelium. It is caused by the action of ultraviolet radiation from the sun. It is considered a carcinogenic lesion that can progress to carcinoma. In general, patients are asymptomatic and clinical signs do not reflect the severity of histopathological lesions. The aim of this study was an epidemiological survey of actinic cheilitis among rural workers at Piracaia - São Paulo, using questionnaires and clinical observation. Some aspects were assessed as gender, age, sun exposure, degree of literacy, use of sunscreens, smoking, alcohol consumption and clinical characteristics. The results showed that the epidemiological profile of the 120 patients evaluated was composed of 73.3% by men with ages between 20 and 44 years (68.3%). Of these, 35.8% were diagnosed with actinic cheilitis. According second clinical parameters used, 30.8% patients had mild to moderate tissue changes. The use of sunscreen lip was reported by 15.83% of this sample. The data obtained in this study reinforce the need for guidance the rural workers to the harmful effects of solar radiation. It is important to use the sunscreen, not only people who already have clinical features of actinic cheilitis but all belonging to risk groups, with the health professionals, especially dentist, responsible for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment.

Palavras-chave : Cheilitis; Epidemiology; Precancerous Conditions.