Dermatology Online Journal

Molluscum contagiosum is a self-limited disease that presents as small papules with central umbilication. Similar to herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and tinea corporis, participation in wrestling is a risk factor for molluscum infection in children and adults. Referred to as herpes gladiatorum, HSV-1 causes cutaneous or ocular infections in wrestlers. We propose that molluscum contagiosum be referred to as “molluscum gladiatorum” when infection occurs in the context of wrestling. We report a case of a high school wrestler who presented with molluscum lesions on his neck.