Herpes Gladiatorum (Mat Herpes)
Herpes gladiatorum, often referred to as “mat herpes” or “wrestler’s herpes,” is a contagious skin infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It primarily affects athletes engaged in close-contact sports such as wrestling. Herpes gladiatorum is characterized by clusters of painful, fluid-filled blisters on the skin.
What do I need to know?
For primary infections (first time), you’re required to refrain from mat-based sports for 10 days after starting the medication (14 days if you also have a fever or swollen lymph nodes). For recurrent infections you’re required to refrain from mat-based sports for 6 days after starting the medication. IN ADDITION, you should not return if you develop any new lesions, or if you continue to have fevers or swollen lymph nodes, AND all lesions should be completely healed before returning. This means that the scabs have healed as well – lesions with scabs can still be contagious.
It’s important that anyone you’ve come in contact with in the 3 days prior to your outbreak be quarantined for 8 days and examined daily by a coach.
This is a contagious condition so you should refrain from contact with other individuals, especially pregnant women and children.
It’s hard to say when this rash will recur. The virus lives in the nerves and makes its way out during periods of stress. The rash can also be triggered by UV radiation and trauma.
Oral Treatment
Valacyclovir 1g
Prescription Treatment.
Take one tablet daily for 10 days.
Side effects include headache, neutropenia, elevated liver enzymes, nasopharyngitis, nausea, abdominal pain, depression, arthralgia, vomiting, dizziness, rash, rhinorrhea, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, neurological disturbances, and alopecia.
Make sure to stay hydrated while on this medication. No restrictions while taking this medication.
Topical Treatment
Mupirocin 2% Ointment
Prescription Treatment.
Apply to the affected area three times daily for 1-2 weeks until the rash resolves. This ointment is an anti-bacterial.
This topical ointment is generally safe to use as directed. Rare side effects can include rash, allergic reaction, redness, anyphylaxis, and C diff infection.
Usage of mupirocin is being prescribed to prevent secondary bacterial infection.
Your physician may have prescribed you another medication that isn’t on this page. You can search our site for the prescribed medication in the search bar. Please use the medication as directed – your physician may likely be treating a secondary symptom of your rash.
We recommend a followup visit in 1-2 weeks. Follow the link in your email to submit a followup visit for review by your doctor. If you have any questions about your treatment you can email our medical team and reach your physician at [email protected]
