What is it?
Viral Infection Kinds: Herpes Simplex I (cold sores) or herpes gladiatorum (generally occurs on the face)–herpes gladiatorum known as mat herpes; herpes zoster (shingles)
Transmission:
Direct contact with the infected area; contact with mat that contacted the infected area; dirty clothing. **Must have a disruption in the skin to contract!**
**Herpes zoster (shingles) is not contagious. It usually follows the specific path of the nerve it lays dormant in, and generally occurs on the trunk.
Signs/symptoms:
Cluster of honey-colored bumps with a red base; may feel a tingling or irritation of affected area just prior to outbreaks; fever and general sickness a few days before outbreak. Looks similar to impetigo or folliculitis.
Symptoms occur within 2-7 days of exposure.
Recurrent outbreaks will usually occur in the same place and are generally less severe; fever, sun exposure, and stress can trigger recurrent outbreak. Often feel a burning or tingling in area prior to outbreak.
Treatment:
Must see physician, will prescribe oral medications, like Valtrex, help to increase healing time, and may prevent recurrent outbreak (start taking a few days before a large tournament or camp). Non-contact until all active lesions are dried up, or as directed by physician. May use a drying agent or astringent to accelerate crusting and drying of lesions. Never completely gets rid of the virus (lays dormant in the nerves).
Prevention:
Good hygiene. Keep all cuts, rashes, skin disruptions clean and covered during practice/competition. Keep all infected areas covered to prevent transmission to other athletes, even after active sites have dried up. Clean all mats and common areas.
For non-infected athletes wanting to prevent transmission from an infected teammate, take Valtrex as directed by physician (generally 500mg twice/day for 3 days).
Prior to large tournament or camp, take Valtrex, as directed by physician (generally 500mg daily beginning 3 days prior to the starting day and concluding 1 day after).
What does it look like?
