Is cutaneous diphtheria as dangerous as respiratory diphtheria?

No less dangerous: Skin diptheria is milder than respiratory diptheria. Respiratory diptheria leads to death in 5 - 10% of subjects. Skin diptheria is usually self limiting although it can spread to the heart which also can be dangerous.

No: Cutaneous diphtheria is rare in the us. It is most often seen among persons with poor hygiene who live in crowded conditions. Skin infections with diphtheria are still common in tropical countries and are even more contagious than respiratory diphtheria.