“If objects are not clean or dry, the virus can survive for a few hours.” from the lips to the fingers) and it can also spread to inanimate objects, called fomites,” says Dr.

“The virus can spread from one area to another (i.e. It’s generally frowned upon to stick your hands down your pants in a public place, whereas people put their hands in their mouths pretty often. It would make more sense that the herpes virus that causes cold sores would be a greater risk from your gym mat than the one that causes genital sores. In order for that gym mat to be considered a vector of disease, someone needs to transfer their virus to it in the first place. Still, oral sex can spread HSV-1 to the genital area, and vice versa. (There’s also a specific type of HSV-1 called Herpes gladiatorum, which is referred to as “mat herpes,” and is often spread among athletes.)Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is usually responsible for the sexually-transmitted below-the-belt blisters.

There are two kinds: Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) usually causes the cold sores that you get on your lips.

“It is rare, but can occur, especially if the mat is not cleaned after use,” says dermatologist Lauren Eckert Ploch, M.D., of the Georgia Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center.įirst of all, we don’t know exactly what kind of herpes Dr. (Here are 5 other nasty skin conditions you could pick up at the gym.) Well, while there is some disagreement on how likely it is to occur, it’s not exactly outside the realm of possibility that it’s theoretically possible. That’s right: He’s saying you can get herpes from your gym mat. In fact, he claims that coming in contact with a dirty gym mat can raise your risk of skin infections and acne-and even transfer herpes to susceptible individuals. Greuner, M.D., FACS, FICS, gym mats can be grosser than you think. But how about the gym mat you just unrolled-can there be gross stuff lurking on that, too?Īccording to a recent blog post by surgeon David A. You’re probably already a pro at wiping down the handlebars on the treadmill or sopping up sweat on the bench.

Can you get hsv2 from touching