Ask the Fight Doc: Can herpes gladiatorum end a fighter’s career?

Although staph has become the most commonly discussed infection in combat sports, another type of contagious skin infection still lurks in gyms around the world.

In fact, the condition is so widespread that it’s earned plenty of nicknames, including “wrestler’s pox” and “mat pox.”

In our latest edition of “Ask the Fight Doc,” MMAjunkie.com medical columnist Dr. Johnny Benjamin discusses herpes gladiatorum, how it spreads, how it’s treated, and whether it can end a fighter’s career.

Although staph has become the most commonly discussed infection in combat sports, another type of contagious skin infection still lurks in gyms around the world.

In fact, the condition is so widespread that it’s earned plenty of nicknames, including “wrestler’s pox” and “mat pox.”