Ulcers

A ulcer, or Ulcer, is a deep substance defect in the skin. A ulcer is a non-traumatic but infectious or ischemic disease symptom. Due to its deeply layered defects in the skin, a nubless healing is no longer possible.

What are ulcers?

An ulcer is a substance defect in the mucous membrane or the skin that is deep-seated. The superficial layers of the tissue die off and break open.

An ulcer is a substance defect in the mucous membrane or the skin that is deep-seated.

The superficial layers of the tissue die off and break open, but the deep layers underneath are also involved. An ulcer usually heals very poorly and often leads to a persistent discharge of pus.

These changes most commonly occur in the lower extremities or in the gastrointestinal tract. In the medical field, an ulcer is summarized under the generic term ulcus.

causes

Circulatory problems, tumors and infections, or a combination of these, can cause an ulcer in the skin. Furthermore, ulcers are often accompanying symptoms in general illnesses and often occur over a large area on the human body.

The cause of an ulcer is usually poor blood circulation paired with other factors. One of these other factors can be moisture and external pressure in an area with less blood flow. So-called bedsores are an example of this.

Varicose veins can generate such strong internal pressure that this, in conjunction with insufficient blood flow, can also lead to an ulcer. A weakened immune system, such as in diabetes or arteriosclerosis, can also be the cause. In diseases such as leprosy, syphilis or tuberculosis, an ulcer is caused by bacteria. But an ulcer can also be caused by a malignant tumor and break through to the outside.

In the case of an ulcer in the gastrointestinal area, increased acid production is usually the cause. This already damages the gastric mucosa or gets into the intestine during digestion and damages the mucous membrane here. If this happens over a longer period of time, an ulcer can form within the damaged mucous membrane. Excessive consumption of alcohol, nicotine or medication can also cause such damage to the mucous membrane, as can prolonged stress. An infestation with the well-known gastric bacterium Helicobacter pylori can also lead to an ulcer in the gastric mucosa in the long term.

You can find your medication here

➔ Drugs against ulcers and eczema

Diseases with this symptom

• leprosy
• Intestinal ulcer
• Corneal ulcer
• Skin cancer

• syphilis
• Duodenal ulcer
• Mouth ulcers
• Nicotine addiction

• tuberculosis
• Gastric ulcer
• Foot ulcer and leg ulcer
• Alcohol addiction

Diagnosis & course

When it comes to ulcers, many people think of gastrointestinal complaints. But the group of ulcers, also known as ulcers, can occur directly under the skin or in various regions of the mucous membrane. You don't usually include abrasions. An ulcer does not necessarily have to be malignant, but it usually belongs in the hands of a doctor.

Small canker sores of the oral mucosa can be diagnosed at home and treated with over-the-counter drugs. A doctor should examine open legs, duodenal ulcers or those in the area of ​​the sexual organs, possibly take cell samples and suggest medical or surgical treatment measures.

Due to the diverse causes, the partly combinatorial measures also extend to work relief, stress reduction and exercise program.

Complications

Ulcers and their treatment can lead to various complications. Initially, there is a risk that the ulcer will spread to other organs. If the ulcer presses on important organs or nerves, this can have effects on various body functions depending on the position and location of the defect;

As part of the treatment, which is usually carried out on an outpatient basis and without bed rest, the ulcer may penetrate or perforate; part of the ulcer breaks open and pushes into neighboring organs. Often this is accompanied by bleeding and severe pain, and the breakthrough of the ulcer itself can have serious consequences. In the case of an ulcer, for example, a breakthrough can damage the blood vessels behind the stomach outlet. Chronic bleeding is less of a problem, but it leads to anemia and can spread over time.

In the case of heavy bleeding, there is a risk of death in many cases due to the loss of blood and the difficult access to the ulcer. The complications of a scarred constriction of the stomach outlet or malignant degeneration are less risky. In both cases, digestive problems and sometimes pain can occur, but the symptoms can almost always be reliably contained in the context of outpatient treatment.

When should you go to the doctor?

The suspicion of having an ulcer must be investigated. This is necessary for diagnostic purposes. Simple and minor ulcers, such as mouth ulcers, are harmless in the overwhelming majority of cases. They can be treated well without a visit to the doctor with freely available drugs from the pharmacy, so that the involvement of a doctor is not absolutely necessary.

However, independent treatment requires that the pharmacist's instructions be followed exactly. The affected area must also be observed for a sufficiently long time. If there is no improvement despite treatment with free drugs, medical advice must be sought immediately. This is the only way to ensure adequate treatment.

Larger ulcers must be examined by a doctor as soon as possible. Open legs, ulcers in the intimate or stomach area are to be taken extremely seriously, as complications can lead to long-term damage. Too long a wait would be irresponsible. In these cases, for preventive reasons, one should not hesitate too long. As a result, independent attempts at therapy are strongly discouraged due to the potential dangers involved.

Doctors & therapists in your area

Treatment & Therapy

When treating an ulcer, hygiene should be a top priority. Wounds must be treated according to the rules of medical art and the ulcer must be regularly disinfected. In order to improve wound healing, the area of ​​the body affected by the ulcer should be immobilized. Bedridden patients must be repositioned regularly to make it easier for an existing ulcer to heal and to prevent another ulcer from developing through pressure points.

If increased flesh growth occurs, the ulcer can be treated with camphor wine or irritant ointments. If the flesh on the ulcer is too overgrown, the affected area can be coated with hellstone. In the worst case, a skin graft may be necessary.

In the case of an ulcer in the gastrointestinal tract, acid production in the stomach can be inhibited using a proton pump inhibitor. If there is a bacterial infection, it should first be treated with medication in order to achieve long-term success. Other external factors such as smoking or the like should be minimized as far as possible.

Outlook & forecast

In the case of ulcers, the prognosis is based on the causal disease, the type and size of the inflammation and the individual requirements. The healing rate of a benign gastric ulcer detected early is over 90 percent, while a malignant corneal ulcer can lead to permanent damage to the eye within a few days.

Risk factors such as older age or the use of pain medication worsen the chances of a full recovery. In general, benign ulcers can be treated well with modern therapy options and usually heal quickly and without long-term consequences for the person concerned.

Most of the time, the ulcers only displace the surrounding tissue and, in the worst case, cause indirect damage. Stomach ulcers are often accompanied by weight loss, which in the later stages of the disease can lead to a so-called hourglass stomach, which significantly worsens the prognosis. Similar problems can occur with ulcers in the lungs, head and internal organs.

With malignant ulcers, the prognosis depends on the size of the tumor and the degree of metastasis; immediate treatment is vital in any case because of the rapid growth.

You can find your medication here

➔ Drugs against ulcers and eczema

prevention

To prevent an ulcer, it is important to prevent the development of circulatory disorders. A balanced diet, the consumption of little animal protein and salt have already laid an important foundation stone.

In addition, excessive consumption of alcohol, drugs and nicotine should be avoided. Regular light physical exercise not only increases well-being, but also strengthens the cardiovascular system.

The adequate supply of vitamin E stimulates the blood circulation and there is also a protection of the cell walls of the vessels and organs. Garlic is a good supplier of vitamin E and also strengthens the heart muscle. This is an important point in preventing an ulcer.

Home remedies & herbs for ulcer

• Pouring the decoction of cooked aloe leaves into a bath helps with deep-seated ulcers.

You can do that yourself

An ulcer in the gastrointestinal tract is often due to increased acid production, which damages the stomach lining or the intestinal lining. In these cases the patient himself can do a lot to alleviate the suffering. The patient should avoid nicotine, strong or black coffee and alcohol, especially acidic wine or high-proof brandy. Fatty foods and animal proteins also put unnecessary strain on the stomach. A fiber-rich vegetarian diet, on the other hand, is beneficial.

In addition, the person affected can also resort to natural remedies. Schüssler salts are used in homeopathy. Healing earths should also be helpful. If the stomach acidification is mainly due to stress, the person affected should avoid stressful situations whenever possible and learn relaxation techniques.

Aphthae, i.e. small ulcers in the oral mucosa, can be treated with over-the-counter drugs from the pharmacy. Oral hygiene should also be improved here and teeth and tongue should be cleaned after each meal to prevent new ulcers from developing.

Regular exercise and meticulous hygiene help with an ulcer on the skin or in the extremities, for which the lack of blood flow in the affected areas is the cause.