Cross-sectional study of recurrent herpes labialis. Prevalence and risk factors.

Consecutive blood donors at 25 sites in southern Wisconsin were interviewed in 1985 to ascertain recurrent herpes labialis histories, other perioral conditions, and status on possible predisposing factors and correlates of lesion recurrence. The prevalence of recurrent herpes labialis was 32.9%. Of the cases, 51.3% reported at least two recurrences per year, 8.6% characterized their condition as severe, and 10% sought medical care. Relations were examined between recurrent herpes labialis and family history of the disease, ethnicity, complexion, hair and eye color, other chronic perioral conditions, solar radiation, exposure to dental procedures, and smoking. The risk of recurrent herpes labialis associated with disease in various first-degree family members, estimated by age-adjusted odds ratios (nominal 95% confidence intervals) were: mother, 3.30 (1.86-5.84); father, 3.80 (1.80-8.12); sister(s), 3.93 (2.25-6.89); and brother(s), 6.81 (3.14-15.04). Ethnicity and phenotypes were not related to disease status. Cases had a higher prevalence of recurrent aphthous ulcers (odds ratio = 3.00, 95% confidence interval = 1.79-5.02) and reported more exposure to solar radiation and more extensive dental histories.