* Herpes gladiatorum refers to a primary cutaneous HSV infection contracted by an athlete through direct skin-to-skin contact with another athlete.
The lesions of herpes gladiatorum are classically limited in distribution and reflective of the areas of direct contact with infected skin, most commonly the face, neck, and arms.
Valacyclovir in athletes with a past history of
herpes gladiatorum could decrease risk of recurrence in sports tournaments.
* Athletes should be checked for HSV lesions before participating in contact sports to avoid the spread of herpes gladiatorum. Infected athletes should not participate in contact or collision sports for five days or until the HSV-1 infection resolves.
The effectiveness of valacyclovir in preventing reactivation of herpes gladiatorum in wrestlers.
Herpes gladiatorum is usually caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1).
At an annual Minneapolis wrestling camp, for example, an average of 15 participants per session have developed herpes gladiatorum over the past 14 years.
Wrestlers with
herpes gladiatorum have small blisters, technically called vesicles, just like those seen on children with chickenpox.
Among those wrestlers who had
herpes gladiatorum for fewer than 2 years, the recurrence rate during the course of a competitive season was 42.9% among 14 wrestlers on placebo and 11.8% among 17 who took 500 mg of valacyclovir daily.
Herpes gladiatorum is the name for the skin infection caused by Herpes simplex I found in wrestlers and rugby players.
Editorial Note:
Herpes gladiatorum (cutaneous infection with HSV in wrestlers and rugby players) was first described in the mid-1960s (1-3).
* Acne, eczema,
herpes gladiatorum, and poison ivy may mimic the appearance of impetigo.