Herpes dermatitis, also known as herpes gladiatorum, is a skin infection caused by the Herpes Simplex type 1 virus. This skin infection is spread by direct skin-to-skin contact. Lesions appear as a cluster of blisters and may be on the face, extremities or trunk. Before skin lesions appear, some people have a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, fever or tingling on the skin. Wrestlers and rugby players are especially vulnerable to this disease and exposure.