Ulcers are formations ranging from lesions in the intestine to mouth sores or canker sores. The variety of clinical pictures that present them is enormous.
The skin is the largest organ of the entire human body, because with 2 square meters in diameter and about 5 kilograms in weight, this structure protects us from inclement weather, mechanical damage and pathogens, among many other things.
We also present, inside our body, a series of mucous membranes that are responsible for all liquid and result of a metabolic process continues in place. For example, the intestinal mucous membrane ensures adequate containment of luminal fluids in the intestine while allowing us to continue absorbing nutrients.
Thus, we can ensure thatour body is “coated” both inside and out. Unfortunately, sometimes these barriers fail, and what many fear happens: the appearance of ulcers. Immerse yourself with us in this medical concept, because today we show you the 6 types of ulcers and their characteristics.
- We recommend you read: “The 7 types of warts (and their characteristics)”
What is an ulcer?
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, an ulcer is a painful, crater-like lesion that can occur on the skin or mucous membranes inside our body. It usually occurs in the mouth and stomach, but can occur in many other parts of the body.
From inflammation to cancer, through a blow or infection, the etiology of ulcers is multiple and varied. In addition, depending on the type we have in hand, the healing of one of these injuries can be quite complex and expensive.
How are ulcers classified?
We do not extend more in general definitions and half-data, since the etiology, epidemiology and treatment of each type of ulcer differs widely according to its location. Without further ado, we present the 6 types of ulcers.
1. Peptic ulcer
Peptic ulcers (PU) or gastroduodenal ulcers are circumscribed defects of the gastric or duodenal mucosa, secondary to an imbalance between aggressive and protective factors. From a less technical point of view, they can be defined asopen sores or raw areas in the lining of the stomach or the initial part of the small intestine, receiving the name of gastric or duodenal, respectively.
The overall incidence of peptic ulcer isbetween 0.1-0.3% of the general population. Unfortunately, patients infected withHelicobacter pylori bacteria (a bacterium that lodges in the intestine that is widespread in the population) have a probability of suffering from it of up to 1%, that is, 6 to 10 times more than uninfected people.
For this reason,H. pyloriinfection or continued intake of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been positively correlated with an increased likelihood of suffering from a peptic ulcer. It is estimated that, in general, a person infected with this bacterium has up to a 20% chance of developing a PU throughout his life.
As the most common symptoms of this pathology we can find abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weight loss, chest pain and black stools (the blood produced in the ulcer is digested as the bolus passes through the gastrointestinal tract, hence the black color of the stools). Before any of these signs, a visit to the doctor with alacrity becomes essential.
2. Pressure ulcers
We move from the intestine to the skin, as pressure ulcers are a type of skin ulcer. On this occasion, the epidermis, dermis and even hypodermis are affected, as it can be a superficial or very deep wound. In general, these skin lesions are causedby poor irrigation to the affected area, friction forces, pressure, shear, excessive humidity or a combination of all thefactors listed above.
Pressure ulcers are very common in hospitalized patients, especially in those who cannot move on their own and require help, which is why in intensive care units the incidence of these injuries can reach 56% of those admitted, depending on the care that professionals give them.
Some authors argue that 95% of these wounds are preventable, because with clear sanitation and a change of posture and periodic clothing in the bedridden patient, the chances of their appearance are drastically reduced. It is therefore shocking to learn that, worldwide, 29,000 people died in 2013 as a direct cause of a pressure ulcer.
3. Genital ulcers
As their name suggests, they are those that appear on both male and female genitalia. They usually occur due to sexually transmitted diseases, such as the invasion of genital herpes subtype HSV-2, the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi (which causes soft chancre), lymphogranuloma venereum, syphilis and many other infectious agents.
Genital ulcers are associated in most cases with Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), especially in impoverished environments where hygiene and sexual education are minimal. They are usually painful lesions, which produce itching and that remit with the relevant treatment for the infection. Of course, the use of condoms is the best prevention against these clinical pictures.
4. Corneal ulcer
A corneal ulcer is defined as the loss of continuity on the epithelial surface of the cornea (superficial part of the eye) that is associated with necrosis or destruction of the underlying tissue. It can become seriously complicated if not treated over time.
In general, infectious agents are again the main cause of this type of ulcers: bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites that settle on the ocular surfacecan easily damage this tissue if a relevant treatment is not applied in time. In addition, these injuries can also be caused by eye trauma, dry eye syndrome or improper closure of eyelids.
Estas heridas en el ojo suelen manifestarse con síntomas tales como dolor ocular, ojo rojo, fotofobia (intolerancia a la luz), sensación de un cuerpo extraño y producción anormal de lágrimas. Cuanto más profunda sea la úlcera más graves serán los síntomas, razón por la cual ante cualquiera de estos signos de presentación intensa la visita al médico con rapidez se hace obligada.
5. Úlcera rectal
We return to the gastrointestinal tract, as solitary rectal ulcers appear in the rectum. The most common signs of this injury are bleeding in the rectum, constipation, mucous stools, excessive straining during defecation and characteristic rectal pain. This ulceris benignand can be solved, generally, with a change in lifestyle and eating habits, especially by introducing fiber into the diet.
6. Canker sore
Undoubtedly, the most common of the whole list. What we all know as “sore” or “canker sores”, that discomfort injury in some area of our mouth is, effectively, a type of canker sores. We are facing an injury that can reach aprevalence of up to 80% in the general population, because we have all experienced them at some time in our lives.
The etiology of canker sores is so extensive that it would give for an entire space on its own. From something as simple as lip biting to celiac disease, stress, tobacco use, lack of vitamins and various autoimmune disorders, mouth sores come in all possible forms and reasons.
Summary
As you can see, the world of ulcers is as extensive as the epithelial and mucous surfaces present in the human body. Undoubtedly, the “prize” for gravity is taken by peptic ulcers, corneal ulcers and those produced by pressure, astheir effects can be devastating in the long term and require extensive treatment.
On the other hand, other ulcers such as mouth ulcers are completely common and we do not pay more attention to them. We live with them, and only when they occur abnormally high or with severe discomfort can we begin to suspect that something is wrong inside our body. The world of ulcers, like that of human physiology itself, is as exciting as it is extensive. Let’s hope you only know them by these lines and not by experiencing them first hand!
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.
