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.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Michael A. Nelson

Dr Nelson is a team physician at the University of New Mexico and a clinical associate professor of pediatrics at the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque. He is also the former chairman of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Sports Medicine and Fitness.

Barry Goldberg

Dr Goldberg is director of sports medicine at Yale University Health Services and a clinical professor of pediatrics at Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut. He is also a pediatric consultant to the Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. He is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine.