One type involves the nose, throat and tonsils. Early symptoms include a sore throat, mild fever and swollen lymph nodes located in the neck. Often a membrane develops on the throat, tonsils or inside the nostrils. The second type of diphtheria involves the skin. People with diphtheria skin infections typically develop a scaly rash or skin ulcers.
Symptoms usually appear two to five days after exposure to an infected person.
Most people who do not receive antibiotics are contagious for about 2 weeks. With proper antibiotics, people are contagious for only 2-4 days. Infection with diphtheria does not guarantee a lasting immunity. Diphtheria antitoxin and certain antibiotics, such as penicillin and erythromycin, can be used to treat diphtheria. In severe cases, serious complications, such as heart problems or paralysis of the muscles used for breathing, or death can occur.