Mat herpes, also known as Herpes Gladiatorum, is a highly contagious skin infection. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), the same virus responsible for cold sores.
Understanding Mat Herpes
Mat herpes, or Herpes Gladiatorum, typically spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact, making it common in contact sports like wrestling. Symptoms often include clusters of fluid-filled blisters surrounded by redness. These lesions can appear anywhere on the body, frequently on the head, face, neck, and trunk.
Other symptoms may include fever, swollen lymph nodes, a sore throat, and a tingling sensation in the affected area, sometimes occurring before the blisters emerge. The incubation period, the time from exposure to symptom onset, typically ranges from six to eight days, but it can be anywhere from one to 26 days.
Medical Treatment Options
Prescription antiviral medications are the primary medical approach for treating mat herpes. Medications like acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir are commonly prescribed to manage outbreaks. These antivirals work by interfering with the virus’s ability to replicate its DNA, which helps reduce the severity and duration of an outbreak.
Starting antiviral treatment early is important, ideally within 48 to 72 hours of the first symptoms. Early intervention can significantly lessen the outbreak’s impact and shorten the healing time of lesions. Valacyclovir and famciclovir offer improved bioavailability, allowing for less frequent dosing. These medications do not cure the infection, but they can effectively control symptoms and reduce viral activity.
Home Care and Preventing Transmission
Managing symptoms at home involves keeping the affected area clean and dry to promote healing. Applying cold compresses can help alleviate discomfort and swelling associated with the blisters. Avoid touching or picking at the lesions, as this can spread the virus to other body parts or individuals.
Preventing transmission of mat herpes is important. Individuals should avoid direct skin-to-skin contact until lesions have fully healed or a healthcare provider confirms they are no longer infectious. Sharing personal items such as towels, razors, or athletic gear should also be avoided. Practicing good hygiene, including frequent handwashing, particularly after touching affected areas, helps minimize the risk of spreading the virus.
Preventing Recurrences and Seeking Professional Care
Once infected with HSV-1, the virus remains in the body for life, residing dormant in nerve cells and capable of reactivating to cause future outbreaks. Identifying and avoiding triggers, such as stress, sun exposure, or fatigue, may help reduce the frequency of recurrences. For individuals experiencing frequent or severe outbreaks, a healthcare provider may suggest suppressive antiviral therapy, which involves taking daily antiviral medication to help prevent future episodes.
Consulting a healthcare professional is important for proper diagnosis and treatment of mat herpes. Medical attention is particularly necessary if symptoms worsen, do not improve with home care, new symptoms appear, or if outbreaks are frequent or severe. Any signs of a bacterial superinfection, such as increased redness, warmth, or pus, also warrant immediate medical evaluation.