cutaneous diphtheria


cu·ta·ne·ous diph·the·ri·a

a "punched-out" shallow ulcer sometimes bordered or followed by a bulla, resulting from infection of the skin by Corynebacterium diphtheriae; systemic manifestations are the same as those of pharyngeal diphtheria.

cutaneous diphtheria

A skin infection, usually at the site of a wound, caused by C. diphtheriae, usually occurring in humid, tropical regions with poor sanitation. It is characterized by slow healing and shallow ulcers containing a tough grayish membrane. It is treated with diphtheria antitoxin and penicillin or erythromycin. See also: diphtheria