What does RHL mean in PHYSIOLOGY

Recurrent Herpes Labialis (RHL) is a viral disease caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). This infection commonly results in cold sores or fever blisters on or around the mouth or lips.

The primary symptom is an outbreak of small blisters on or around your mouth and lips. Symptoms may also include pain, tingling, itching, and burning sensations in the affected area.

RHL is spread by direct contact with saliva through kissing and sharing utensils, towels, razors, toothbrushes etc., as well as through skin-to-skin contact such as hugging someone who has RHL.

You can reduce your risk of getting infected with RHL by not sharing items such as utensils, towels, razors, toothbrushes etc., avoiding skin to skin contact such as kissing someone who has an active infection and practicing good hand hygiene.

Yes. Antiviral medications have been shown to be effective at reducing symptom severity and duration when taken at the first sign of an outbreak. Also taking daily antiviral medication may help suppress future outbreaks of HSV-1.