Diphtheria
Overview
Diphtheria is a contagious infection that affects the nose and throat, and sometimes the skin. It's rare in the UK, but there's a small risk of catching it if you travel to some parts of the world.
Symptoms
Symptoms of diphtheria include: a thick grey-white coating that may cover the back of your throat, nose and tonguea high temperature (fever)sore throatswollen glands in your neckdifficulty breathing and swallowing In places with poor hygiene, infection of the skin (cutaneous diphtheria) is more common. If it's cutaneous diphtheria, it can cause: pus-filled blisters on your legs, feet and handslarge ulcers surrounded by red, sore-looking skin Symptoms of diphtheria usually start 2 to 5 days after becoming infected.
Treatment
The main treatments for diphtheria are: antibioticsto kill the diphtheria bacteriamedicines that stop the effects of the harmful substances (toxins) produced by the bacteriathoroughly cleaning any infected wounds if you have diphtheria affecting your skin Treatment usually lasts 2 weeks. Any skin ulcers usually heal within 2 to 3 months but may leave a scar. People who have been in close contact with someone who has diphtheria will also need to take antibiotics and may be given the diphtheria vaccine. A contact tracing team will get in touch with anyone who needs to be treated.