Herpes Gladiatorum
What is herpes gladiatorum?
Herpes gladiatorum is a skin infection caused by the herpes
simplex virus. It occurs often in wrestlers. It causes a
rash that commonly appears on the face, neck, shoulder, and
arms.
How does it occur?
An infected wrestler can pass the infection to an uninfected
wrestler by skin contact.
What are the symptoms?
The herpes simplex rash is usually a cluster of blisters
that may or may not be painful.
How is it diagnosed?
Your health care provider will examine your skin. He or she
may do a culture to test for the herpes virus. Knowing that
the rash is from the herpes virus may help your provider
treat you.
How is it treated?
The rash usually lasts 7 to 10 days. It is important that
you do not have skin contact with any uninfected person
while you have the skin rash. Your health care provider may
prescribe a medicine called acyclovir (Zovirax) in a pill or
an ointment form to speed your recovery.
How can it be prevented?
It is important for you to watch for any rashes so you don't
spread them to others. In many athletic leagues, wrestlers
who have rashes are not allowed to compete. It is also
important to routinely clean and disinfect wrestling mats.
Written by Pierre Rouzier, M.D., for McKesson Provider Technologies.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
Copyright © 2005 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved.
This
information is approved and/or reviewed by U-M Health System providers
but it is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for medical
treatment. You should speak to your physician or make
an appointment to be seen if you have questions or concerns about
this information or your medical condition.