HERPES GLADIATORUM IN ATHLETES Introduction Herpes gladiatorum (HG) is a cutaneous infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV) causing a non-genital rash in athletes.
HERPES GLADIATORUM IN ATHLETES Herpes gladiatorum (HG) is a cutaneous infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV) causing a non-genital rash in athletes. An outbreak of herpes gladiatorum at a high-school wrestling camp. [/ref] In fact, it is so common among wrestlers that 20% to 40% of college wrestlers will have an outbreak in any given season. Nearly 90% of cases are subclinical and go unnoticed. In high school athletes, approximately 30% are infected or colonized but only about 3% are aware they carry the virus. Herpes Gladiatorum of the Head, Face and Scalp. HG is the clinical manifestation of transmission of the HSV virus.
Transmission occurs primarily through direct skin-to-skin contact. Sports with increased skin to skin contact include wrestling and rugby. Once an athlete is inoculated, the virus replicates in a sensory ganglion and spreads along the sensory nerve distribution.
It often is bilateral and involves multiple dermatomes. The face is involved 70% of the time, with the rest of the body making up the other 30%. Lesions tend to affect the dominant hand, side of head preferred by athlete in the ‘tie position’ in wrestling.
If you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to herpes gladiatorum in athletes, it is important to see a sports medicine physician. Early evaluation and treatment typically lead to better outcomes. Do not ignore pain or symptoms that are limiting your activity.
*This article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.*
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