What Is Herpes Gladiatorum?
Herpes gladiatorum is a type of viral skin infection caused by the herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) virus. It is a common problem among people involved in close contact sports such as wrestling, which is why it is also called "mat herpes" for the surface wrestlers perform on. HSV-1 is one of many viruses in the herpes family that can affect the skin on the face, mouth, or genitals. Like other herpes types, herpes gladiatorum stays in the body for life once someone is infected. While there is no cure for herpes gladiatorum, the virus usually lies dormant, so there are periods when the person is asymptomatic. When this virus reactivates and symptoms flare, the virus tends to transmit to another person through skin-to-skin contact.
What Causes Herpes Gladiatorum?
Herpes gladiatorum is typically caused by direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. However, some kinds of herpes, such as genital herpes caused by HSV-2, are transmitted via sexual contact. Herpes gladiatorum is believed to be spread by direct contact of skin abrasions with an infected individual's oral secretions. This happens by directly contacting an infected person or touching an object or item (like drinks, utensils, and cell phones) that an infected person has already touched.
Who Is at Risk for Herpes Gladiatorum?
Although anyone can get herpes gladiatorum, this infection occurs more commonly in wrestlers and other athletes with close physical contact. Any direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected area can quickly spread the infection. The virus can be transmitted from one to another through fluids left behind on wrestling mats. Also, wrestlers usually have a lot of exposed skin and are in regular contact with mats and other wrestlers. Rugby is another sport that is a significant risk factor for contracting herpes gladiatorum. Herpes outbreaks can also occur frequently with other close-contact sports, such as martial arts and combat training.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Herpes Gladiatorum?
Many types of herpes typically result in the evolution of blisters, but certain characteristic features of a herpes gladiatorum infection distinguish this type of herpes from other types.
Herpes gladiatorum skin infections differ from other HSV-1 infections depending on where and when symptoms arise. A skin rash with blisters developing over the top of a red rash is the most common observable symptom. The rash frequently appears in the following areas:
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Sides of the face.
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Back of the neck.
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Forearms.
Blisters usually appear within four to 11 days of exposure to the virus and may take about one to two weeks to recover. These infections can sometimes be confused with a common condition, bacterial folliculitis. Other associated symptoms include
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Pain.
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Itching and burning.
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Fever.
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Sore throat.
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Headaches.
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Swollen lymph nodes.
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Rash.
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A tingling sensation in the affected area.
How Is Herpes Gladiatorum Diagnosed?
Herpes gladiatorum is usually diagnosed based on associated symptoms and the most affected body sites. Further, the diagnosis is confirmed by a PCR (polymerase chain reaction), DNA detection or virus culture from an active lesion. In some cases, the healthcare provider may also order a blood test for antibody testing, but it is not commonly used because it is not accurate for an acute infection. Sometimes, the provider may take a sample of the affected skin and send it off for analysis. If someone has symptoms of herpes gladiatorum, speak to a healthcare provider concerning the best option to confirm the diagnosis.
How Is Herpes Gladiatorum Treated?
There is no cure for HSV-1 infections, but there are options for managing flare-ups. Systemic antiviral drugs are often prescribed, and options for initial treatment and recurrent infections include the following:
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Acyclovir.
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Famciclovir.
These medications can also be used as suppressive therapy to help control flare-ups. Doses vary based on whether the medication is recommended to treat an initial infection, recurrent infection, or as a preventive therapy. Herpes gladiatorum symptoms may be unpleasant but are usually mild. Without any therapy, blisters should heal within ten days.
Herpes gladiatorum is infectious, so avoiding close contact with infected individuals and taking specific preventive measures are critical to prevent this virus. Key prevention strategies for avoiding this infection include:
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Change and clean uniforms after sports or activities.
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Shower immediately after coaching or practice sessions.
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Clean headgear, towels, or other personal equipment daily.
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Check for sores or blisters regularly and report to the coaching staff.
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Avoid sharing soap, towels, razors, or other personal hygiene items.
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Shower immediately after sports or activities.
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Wash hands thoroughly before and after sports or activities.
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If possible, wash personal items like a towel with hot water, detergent, and bleach.
Preventing Flare-Ups:
Once infected with an HSV-1, the symptoms may resolve for a time but can flare up again, especially if there are:
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Increased stress.
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Another illness or infection.
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Hormonal fluctuations.
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Poor diet.
The best way to prevent a herpes flare-up is to take care of the overall health and well-being.
Are There Any Complications of Herpes Gladiatorum?
Serious complications are common when the virus involves the eye or enters the central nervous system. These complications can lead to blindness.
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Eye: HSV-1 infection affecting the eye can result in scarring of the cornea or rupture of the eyeball.
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Central Nervous System: When the HSV-1 penetrates the central nervous system, it can cause HSV encephalitis or inflammation of the tissues in the brain. Without treatment, this complication can be life-threatening.
A herpes gladiatorum infection usually does not cause serious health issues, but it is a chronic (lifelong) infection for which there is no cure. Some medications can reduce outbreaks and flare-ups and lower the risk of transmission, but one may continue to have symptoms from time to time. One can also take preventive steps to keep from acquiring it, especially for people with a higher risk of infection, like those who regularly play contact sports, such as wrestling, rugby, and others. Work closely with a healthcare provider to effectively manage this condition and safely for a long time.
Conclusion
Herpes gladiatorum is a contagious viral infection that develops from direct skin-to-skin contact, frequently during sports like wrestling. The condition often presents a wide range of symptoms, and it mostly affects the head, neck, and trunk and appears with a rash and skin blister. Having herpes can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. There is no cure for herpes gladiatorum, but certain medications can reduce outbreaks and flare-ups and lower the risk of transmission. In addition, practicing good personal hygiene and taking care of overall health can aid one in avoiding infection or preventing flare-ups.
