Ulcers Can Be Painful and Troublesome

Ulcers are painful sores that heal slowly and may recur. The symptoms and appearance of ulcers depend on their causes and their location in the body. Ulcers can occur anywhere on or in your body, from the stomach lining to the skin. They may heal on their own or require specialized medical management.

Stomach ulcers are the most prevalent type of ulcers. Some patients relieve the pain by taking foods that buffer gastric acid or medications that reduce acid production. For mouth ulcers, your doctor might recommend an antimicrobial mouthwash for management.

Mouth ulcers often resolve within two weeks. They may be uncomfortable but aren’t associated with any severe pain. However, medical attention is necessary if the ulcers persist beyond two weeks.

Spotting an Ulcer

Burning pain in the stomach is a well-known symptom associated with stomach ulcers. An empty stomach and gastric acid exacerbate the pain. The sores develop on the esophagus, the inner stomach lining, and the small intestine. Stomach ulcers result when gastric juice destroys intestinal or stomach walls.

The symptoms of stomach ulcers include heartburn, intolerance to fatty foods, belching, bloating, and a feeling of fullness. Nausea, vomiting, and unexplained weight loss are also associated with stomach ulcers.

Venous ulcers are associated with little or no pain. Symptoms associated with the ulcers are discharge, scabbing, itchy skin, swelling, and inflammation. Genital ulcers are characterized by fever, swollen glands in the groin, pain, and rashes.

Types of Ulcers

As mentioned there are many different types of ulcers. The following are just some of the most common ulcers the body can deal with. 

• Stomach Ulcers - The chief cause of stomach ulcers is Helicobacter pylori infection. Additionally, prolonged use of NSAID drugs has been implicated as a cause of stomach ulcers. The three forms of stomach ulcers include gastric ulcers, esophageal ulcers, and duodenal ulcers.
• Venous Ulcers - They are the most common leg ulcers. They are open wounds that may form in the inner part of the ankle, below the knee, and on the leg. The ulcers result from damage to the veins caused by reduced venous return.
• Arterial Ulcers - Arterial ulcers are open wounds that develop on the outer part of the ankle, heels, toes, and feet. They result from arterial damage because of the reduced blood flow to the tissues. This type of ulcer is associated with leg pain, hairless skin, and black sores.
• Genital Ulcers - They are genital area sores. They are primarily associated with sexually transmitted infections. However, the ulcers may also be triggered by allergic reactions, inflammatory diseases, and trauma.
• Mouth Ulcers - They are small lesions occurring at the base of the gums or within the mouth. Mouth ulcers may have several causes, including bacterial infections, vitamin deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, food allergies, and biting the inner part of the cheek.

Ulcer Treatment

Stomach ulcer treatment will start with a potential variety of medications. It’s the combination of medications which seems to have the best effect on things. If NSAIDs are the leading cause of stomach ulcers, withdrawal of the drug and replacement with a non-corrosive drug will be necessary.

Surgery will have a limited role if the medical therapy is a success. It is the most suitable in case of complications and refractory disease. The correct surgical procedure depends on the nature and location of the ulcer. 

Venous ulcers may take months to heal completely. Management aims at improving blood flow to the affected part. Antibiotics are effective in reducing the symptoms and preventing infections. However, they can’t heal the ulcers on their own. Besides medication, your physician may recommend compression therapy or surgery to improve the blood flow.

The management of arterial ulcers depends on the cause. However, the primary goal involves improving blood flow to the affected part. Besides the use of antibiotics to reduce the symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgical procedures. In severe cases, amputation may be necessary.

When it comes to genital ulcers, management is based on the cause. The sores may resolve on their own. If you are diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI), your doctor will prescribe antibiotics or antivirals. It is recommended to get prompt medical care if you suspect an STI.