Recurrent oral ulcerations associated with recurrent herpes labialis--two distinct entities?

We investigated the prevalence of recurrent aphthous ulcerations (RAU) and recurrent herpes labialis (RHL) in a young adult population. The study group consisted of 20,689 soldiers (aged 18-21 years, mean 19.8 +/- 1 years). There were 14,991 men and 5,698 women. Every patient was asked to complete a self-report health questionnaire which requested information about the occurrence of either RAU or RHL. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test, and the odds ratio was also determined. The prevalence of RAU and RHL was 6.2% and 5.4%, respectively. The prevalence among women was significantly higher (P<0.001), than among men for both RAU (7.1% and 5.8%, respectively) and RHL (6.8% and 4.9%, respectively). Among women, the chance of having RAU for those who were RHL positive was 6.88 greater than for those RHL negative. Among men, the chance of having RAU for those who were RHL positive was 12.37 greater than for those RHL negative. In women, the chance of having RHL for those who were RAU positive was 6.88 greater than for those who were RAU negative. In men, the chance of having RHL for those who were RAU positive was 12.37 greater than for those who were RAU negative. It is concluded that a similar underlying pathological process or unknown cofactor may be involved in both RAU and RHL.