Herpes gladiatorum is a herpes infection found on the upper torso. Herpes gladiatorum is mostly observed in wrestlers and in people engaging in other types of grappling sports. Herpes gladiatorum is spread through skin-to-skin contact, and is most likely to be spread when symptoms are present. The typical symptoms of herpes gladiatorum are an outbreak of blisters on the skin. Initial herpes gladiatorum outbreaks may also be accompanied by flu-like symptoms. Herpes gladiatorum is typically caused by herpes simplex virus 1, the virus that usually causes cold sores. Herpes gladiatorum does not present a serious health risk. Herpes gladiatorum symptoms will eventually clear on their own, but clear more quickly and with less discomfort when treatment is used. Herpes gladiatorum, like all herpes simplex infections, is presumed to be a lifelong condition, with outbreaks possible at any given time though there are treatments that claim to permanently rid the body of the herpes simplex virus and/or to stop future outbreaks.