Prevalence of recurrent herpes labialis in Western Maharashtra

Recurrent herpes labialis (RHL) is a disorder with serious health and social consequences and which affects most of the adults. However, high degree of research paucity pertaining to its prevalence was observed, especially from India.

The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of RHL in western Maharashtra.

In this prospective study, 1368 patients of either sex, satisfying the inclusion criteria, were included in the study after screening 34,560 patients for RHL lesions. Demographic data such as age, gender and risk factors, namely stress, menstruation and common cold, were recorded. Further, data regarding history of itching, fever, malaise and burning on lips followed by vesicles and frequency of lesions and duration were also recorded. After clinical examination site, size and nature of lesion were noted on a clinical pro forma. Results were compared statistically, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

The majority of the patients were in the age group of 30-39 years, with a female predominance (63.89%) (male:female = 0.33:0.59). Stress (43%) was the most common risk factor in the occurrence of RHL, followed by disturbed menstruation cycle (21%). Most of the patients had two episodes of RHL (42.4%), whereas some had just one episode of recurrence (25.4%) in the past 1 year. The most commonly occurring location for RHL was upper lip (47%), especially the left side (19.1%) and right side (18.2%) of the upper lip. The overall prevalence rate of RHL in our study was 3.9%.

An established prevalence (3.9%) of RHL occurs among patients in western Maharashtra.