Although staph is the most generally mentioned illness in combat sports, another form of infectious skin infection hides in gyms all over the world, know if MMA fighters are vulnerable to Herpes Gladiatorum
Indeed, the ailment is so common that it has received several nicknames, including “wrestler’s pox” and “mat pox.” The issue has emerged in the limelight after Joel Bauman recently talked about him having herpes in the aftermath of his defeat.
Explained Can A MMA Fighter Get Herpes Gladiatorum Caused By Simplex Virus From Only Taking Part In Fights
MRSA appears to be the focus of all attention in the worlds of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and MMA. However, herpes gladiatorum is a contagious skin illness that is also an issue. How common is it? Is it contagious? How is it handled if contracted? Will this virus put an end to a fighter’s career? – A worried fighter
Can A MMA Fighter Get Herpes From Only Taking Part In Fights? Explained
Herpes gladiatorum, sometimes known as “wrestler’s pox” or “mat pox,” is a highly prevalent illness. It often occurs in an outbreak when a large number of team members or gym mates develop the viral infection at the same time.
Clusters of fluid-filled lesions or blisters are prevalent on the head/face, neck, chest/torso, and arms/legs — all of which come into close contact during grappling.
The usual mechanism of transmission is direct contact with an afflicted individual or indirect contact with a contaminated surface (gym mat or workout equipment), which explains why the ailment is so common among MMA fighters.
The rash might be severe or not, and it is commonly linked with itching, headaches, fever, and sore throat; the rash and symptoms typically last seven to ten days.
Because this is a viral infection, antibiotics normally play no part in therapy (unless you can’t keep your dirty little hands off it and infect it). The most often used medicines for treating the outbreak are Zovirax and Valtrex.
Once infected, a person is always a carrier and may be exposed to subsequent epidemics. This virus can be transmitted by a carrier at any time, although transmission is significantly more likely when blisters are present.
Fortunately, a fighter and his gym mates may continue to enjoy rolling on the mat with adequate personnel. And mat hygiene, skin inspection, and the restriction of fighters with skin lesions from training and/or competing.