What are the different types of diphtheria?

What are the different types of diphtheria?

There are two main types of diphtheria, including classical respiratory and cutaneous:

• Classical respiratory diphtheria: The most common type of diphtheria, classical respiratory diphtheria may affect your nose, throat, tonsils or larynx (voice box). Symptoms can vary depending on where the affected membranes are located in your body. Some people call this condition pharyngeal diphtheria (diphtheria of the throat).
• Cutaneous diphtheria: The rarest type of diphtheria, cutaneous diphtheria is characterized by skin rash, sores or blisters, which can appear anywhere on your body. Cutaneous diphtheria is more common in tropical climates or crowded places where people live in unhealthy conditions.