Introduction:

The information on skin lesions and their associated factors in informal workers in Latin America is scarce.

Objective:

To determine the existing relationship between sociodemographic, environmental and labor conditions and the prevalence of skin conditions, self-reported by informal workers “venteros” from the Medellin downtown.

Material and Methods:

Cross-sectional study with analytical intention and primary source of information. 686 workers were included. An assisted survey was applied, after conducting a pilot test and standardization of the interviewers. The presence of skin conditions was considered as the dependent variable and the working, sociodemographic and environmental conditions as independent variables. Error control was performed with statistical analysis, selection and information biases were controlled. Univariate and bivariate analysis was performed.

Results:

Mainly male workers (57.6%), ages 45-59 years, 60.0% from rural areas. They worked> 8 hours / day (80.6%), all week, with> 20 years (50.7%) in their work. 72.2% did not use personal protection mechanisms. 61.5% considered that environmental pollution affected their work and their health. 19.83% presented skin affectations, such as allergies (12.0%), pruritus and rash. Lower prevalence of allergies in men (24.0%) and ≥60 years. Higher prevalences in those who worked> 8 hours / day (94.0%), all week (43.0%), with exposure to chemical substances (PR = 1.88, IC = 1.11, 3.20), sellers of merchandise and equipment (PR = 2.06.IC: 1.08; 3.91).

Conclusion:

They explain a higher prevalence of allergies coming from the urban area, selling merchandise and junk, working> 8 hours / day, all week, being exposed to chemical substances, considering that air quality affects their work, and presenting comorbidities.

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