Cutaneous diphtheria is a rare skin disease caused by toxin-producing strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae. This is a contagious disease transmitted by direct contact with infected people or objects.
Cutaneous diphtheria usually affects exposed skin such as wounds or scrapes. The first symptoms include redness, swelling and pain at the site of infection. Then small blisters develop, which quickly turn into ulcers covered with a gray coating. This plaque consists of dead tissue, white blood cells and bacteria.
Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation and laboratory confirmation of C. diphtheriae. Treatment includes antibiotics, usually penicillin or erythromycin. It is important to isolate the sick person to prevent further spread of the infection. With timely treatment, the prognosis is favorable.
Prevention of skin diphtheria involves vaccination and proper hygiene. Vaccination reduces the risk of developing systemic complications from C. diphtheriae infection. Careful wound care and caution when handling potentially infected patients are also important to prevent disease.