Isolation and characterization of herpes simplex virus resistant to nucleoside analogs

Pinning down skin infections: diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in wrestlers

Wrestling fosters skin infections such as herpes simplex, tinea corporis, and impetigo. Visual examination often suggests the diagnosis, but some lesions, like late-stage herpes, can mimic other conditions, like impetigo; laboratory studies therefore may be required. Drug therapy can mitigate an infection and help prevent recurrence. In addition, physicians must know when to disqualify a wrestler and how to prevent an outbreak through measures like good hygiene and immediate diagnosis.

Stopping the Spread of Herpes Simplex

In brief Herpes simplex is readily spread through contact sports like wrestling, and sun exposure, emotional stress, and fever can trigger a recurrence. Ruling out other skin disorders is an important part of the diagnosis. Although acyclovir helps reduce recurrent episodes, physicians need to identify infected athletes early and remove them from sports when contagion is likely.