Ulcers are sores or open wounds which may occur on any part of the body including the skin and the mucous membranes. It commonly occurs in the small intestine, termed duodenal ulcers, while stomach ulcers are called gastric ulcers. Gastric ulcer is caused by Helicobacter pylori bacterium or use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Ulcer is a slow-healing painful sore, whose appearance and symptoms depend upon its underlying cause. Symptoms of ulcers may manifest through pain, burning sensations, and discomfort. In some instances, ulcers may heal on their own, but sometimes this can escalate to very dangerous complications that require medical intervention. Medical attention is important for diagnosis and treatment, especially for duodenal and stomach ulcers.
7 Types of Ulcer
- Peptic ulcer
- Arterial ulcers
- Venous ulcers
- Genital ulcers
- Mouth ulcers
- Pressure ulcers
- Corneal ulcers
Peptic Ulcers
Peptic ulcers develop in the stomach, upper small intestine or oesophagus following damage by digestive juice. They are often a result of inflammation, Helicobacter pylori or long-term use of NSAIDs. Peptic ulcers are divided into two types: gastric ulcers which appear on the surface lining of the stomach and duodenal ulcers which affect the first part of the small intestines called duodenum.
These sores result from the acid within the stomach that eats through leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain. This is usually treated through drugs, antibiotics for H. pylori and changes in lifestyle.
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Arterial Ulcers
Also called ischemic ulcers, they usually develop due to circulation problems primarily on the smaller side of arterioles and capillaries around the outer ankle, feet, toes and heels. Arterial ulcers form due to arterial damages that are a result of insufficient blood supply known as arterial insufficiency diseases caused by atherosclerosis. Additionally, they might also be present in individuals with poor blood pressure. Arterial ulcers can cause pain in defined borders, taking months to heal.
The primary treatment for arterial ulcers typically involves restoring blood circulation via surgery. In extreme cases, amputation may be required.
Venous Ulcers
Also referred to as varicose or stasis ulcers which mostly attack skin particularly lower extremities. They occur below the knee and on the inner ankle due to insufficient blood returning to the heart.
Venous ulcers develop due to damaged veins in chronic venous insufficiency with increased vein pressure, skin changes, and ulcer formation. They are superficial, showing inflammation. Healing involves medical management, compression therapy, and addressing underlying venous insufficiency.
Normally it takes many months for a venous ulcer to heal completely; however, in some cases they may not heal at all. Treatment can include antibiotics for symptoms as well as measures such as surgery or compression therapy that your doctor might recommend.
Genital Ulcers
Genital ulcers are sores that occur on the penis, vagina, anus and other areas surrounding them and are often caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Additionally, some trauma such as injury, inflammatory diseases or Epstein-Barr viral infection triggers them. They appear in either gender with different sizes and shapes accompanied by pain, itching or discharge.
To accurately diagnose this condition and provide appropriate treatment, and also to prevent STI transmission, prompt medical attention is necessary. Genital ulcers can be avoided through safe sex practices.
Also Read: 5 Things to Avoid to Protect Your Liver and Other Internal Organ.
Mouth Ulcers
Mouth ulcers, also referred to as canker sores, are small breaks on the gums or inside the mouth caused by stress, hormonal changes, vitamin deficiencies, bacterial infection or diseases. These painful sores are shallow and can occur on the tongue, gums or inside cheeks with healing typically taking two weeks. Typically harmless, some of the factors which can lead to their appearance include minor injuries, stress certain foods and underlying conditions.
These problems usually fade away within two weeks but can be managed using over-the-counter drugs or prescribed medications that reduce pain and fasten healing. Severe mouth ulcerations should receive immediate attention from a doctor when they become extremely painful or continue more than two weeks.
Pressure Ulcers
Pressure ulcer or bed sore refers to a damage done to skin and tissues beneath it resulting from prolonged pressing onto it. This is common where bones lie near the surface of skin like heels, hips and tailbone. Reduced blood flow into an affected area might lead to tissue damage. Pressure ulcers are common in individuals with limited mobility or those who are bedridden.
Corneal Ulcers
An open sore or a lesion on the cornea known as a corneal ulcer takes place at the front transparent part of an eye. Infections and injuries can lead to formation of such ulcers whereas other eye conditions cause them too; bacterial viral and fungal infections being typical.
Causes of Ulcer
The causes of ulcers can vary depending on the type of ulcer. Here are some common causes for different types:
Peptic ulcers
Factors causing peptic ulcers are diverse and may include:
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Infection: A common bacterial infection affecting the stomach lining, often leading to peptic ulcer development.
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Prolonged use of NSAIDs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can irritate the stomach lining and contribute to ulcer formation.
- Excessive stomach acid production: Elevated levels of stomach acid can erode the protective lining, leading to ulceration.
Venous ulcers
The main causes include:
- Venous hypertension: Increased pressure in the veins due to impaired blood flow, leading to skin changes and ulcer formation.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Blood clots in the deep veins can obstruct blood flow, contributing to venous insufficiency and ulcers.
- Varicose veins: Swollen and twisted veins can disrupt normal blood flow, increasing the risk of venous ulcers.
Mouth ulcers
Among the causes of mouth ulcers are:
- Minor injuries: Small wounds caused by biting or injuring the inner side of the cheek or lip can lead to mouth ulcers.
- Hormonal changes: Variations in hormone levels, especially during pregnancy and menstruation, may result in the formation of mouth ulcers.
- Certain foods: Acidic food, spicy foods and specific food allergies may cause mouth ulcers.
Genital ulcers
Various causes that can result into genital ulcers include:
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Common STIs like herpes simplex virus (HSV), syphilis, and chancroid can lead to genital ulceration.
- Trauma: Physical injury or trauma to the genital area may contribute to ulcer development.
- Inflammatory diseases: Behcet’s disease is one example of an inflammatory condition that causes genital ulcers.
Corneal ulcers
- Infections: Corneal infections are typically caused by fungi (Candida), bacteria such as Pseudomonas or Staphylococcus, or viruses like herpes simplex or varicella-zoster resulting from eye injuries or contact lens use leading to corneal ulcers.
- Eye injuries: Eye trauma is the most common way through which this condition is obtained as it creates a pathway for infection and eventual corneal ulceration in some cases.
- Dry Eye Syndrome: Insufficient production of tears due to medical conditions such as dry eye syndrome may increase a person’s chances of suffering from corneal ulcers.
Pressure ulcers
- Prolonged pressure: This is a continuous pressure on specific parts of the body mostly due to prolonged immobility that leads to the development of pressure ulcers.
- Friction or shear force: However, friction between skin and surfaces like bed sheets or garments may also cause pressure sores. Or, shearing force or movement of the skin layers in opposite directions for those who are bedridden could increase their chances of getting Decubitus ulcer.
- Chronic medical conditions: Whereby this can be due to a reduced blood flow occasioned by chronic diseases such as diabetes or vascular disorders resulting into decubitus ulcers.
Symptoms
To begin with, symptoms of ulcers are not uniform but depend on the kind of ulcer. These are some common symptoms one can encounter when suffering from different kinds of ulcers.
- Abdominal pain: Persistent pain or discomfort in the belly, often described as burning or gnawing feeling
- Burning sensations: The patient feels a hot sensation in the stomach and upper abdomen which indicates that there is acid irritation.
- Discomfort: General unease or a sense of not feeling well, often associated with digestive issues.
- Bloating: Abdominal swelling caused by gas or fluid accumulation giving a feeling of being full.
- Nausea: Queasy feelings which come from the stomach lining irritation connected with nausea.
- Vomiting: The regurgitation expulsion through mouth at times makes the person feel better.
- Dark or bloody stool: Darkened faeces that may contain blood – a sign of possible bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.
Prevention
To prevent ulcers, individuals must lead healthy lives and deal with specific risk factors. Here are 10 general tips for preventing any kind of ulcer.
- Don’t get Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection: Use good sanitation habits to reduce the risk of H. pylori infection.
- Avoid taking NSAIDs such as aspirin and ibuprofen: If you’re given NSAIDs for any medical reason, you should discuss potential risks with your doctor.
- Stop smoking cigarettes: Quit smoking as it is a factor for peptic ulcers.
- Drink alcohol in moderation: Alcohol consumption should be moderate or avoided at all because excessive drinking can result into formation of ulcers.
- Reduce stress in your life: Try stress reduction techniques like meditation, yoga or deep breaths.
- Healthy eating and good hydration: Have a balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables and whole grains inclusive.
- Ensure proper hydration: Drink water regularly to stay hydrated.
- Safe sexual practices: Practice safe sex to lower the chances of getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that lead to genital ulcers.
- Take care of your skin: For people who may develop pressure sores, maintain hygiene of the skin around such areas by changing positions every now and then and using supportive items like pillows or mattresses
- Eye care: Prevent corneal ulceration by protecting the eyes from physical damage and seeking immediate medical attention when needed.
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Consequences of Having Ulcer
If one does not treat or manage ulcers well, complications will vary depending on the type and severity of the ulcer.
- Bleeding: Symptoms of bleeding such as black tarry stools (melena) and vomiting blood (hematemesis) are caused by ulcers.
- Perforation: Ulcers may become so severe that they penetrate into the wall of the stomach or intestine hence causing a perforation. This is regarded as a medical emergency that should be immediately attended to.
- Infection: Ulcers can get infected particularly in case of pressure ulcers or open sores thereby leading to more serious complications.
- Scar tissue formation: Healing of ulcer can result in the development of scar tissues, which can narrow passages or ducts resulting in functional problems.
- Chronic pain: Prolonged pain and discomfort may be caused by repeated episodes or chronic ulcers.
- Vision loss: If it is left untreated, corneal ulcers may cause scarring and vision loss.
- Psychological impact: Some chronic ulcers like those related to diseases like inflammatory bowel disease can have a psychological impact leading to stress, anxiety or depression.
