Epidemiologic, clinical findings and risk factors of recurrent herpes labialis in healthy adult patients: a case-control study

Abstract

Objectives: Herpes labialis is a common viral infection and characterized by recurrent vesicular lesionprimarily on the lips and perioral skin. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological, clinicalcharacteristics and trigger factors associated with recurrence herpes labialis in adult patients.Methods: This case-control study was conducted with the participation of one hundred adult patients and thesame number of control. Data collected about demographics, clinical, as well as trigger factors from individualswho met inclusion criteria.Results: Seventy-four percent of cases and 34% of controls were female that showed significant difference (p< 0.001). Mean body mass index of patients was significantly higher than controls (25.9 ± 2.9 kg/m2 versus22.0 ± 2.9 kg/m2, p < 0.001). The most common location of the lesions during the last episode of infection wasupper lip (65%). The number of lesions was single in 58% and multiple in 42% of patients. The frequency ofepisodes per year was more than two attacks each year in most patients (83%). Positive family history ofrecurrence herpes labialis was found in 50% and 20% of cases and controls respectively (p < 0.001). Emotionalstress (61%), sunlight exposure (54%) and flu (37%) were the main triggering factors reported by the patients.Conclusions: This study revealed that recurrence herpes labialis is more common in women and on the upperlip. Family history of recurrence herpes labialis was positive significantly in patients. The most common triggerfactors were stress, sunlight exposure, flu. Higher body mass index was a probable risk factors for recurrenceherpes labialis.