Ulcers are recurring painful sores that heal very slowly. They interfere with the normal functioning of the organ in which they occur. They’re quite common and occur in many parts of one’s body.

There are many ulcer types. The most common ones are:

• Peptic ulcer
• Arterial ulcer
• Venous ulcer
• Mouth ulcer
• Genital ulcer

Peptic ulcer

These ulcers develop on the inner lining of the stomach, esophagus or the upper part of the small intestine. They generally occur when the digestive juices get in contact with the walls of the stomach and damage it. They are mainly caused by the inflammation that occurs due to the long term use of strong medications and due to infections caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria.

Types of peptic ulcer

• Gastric ulcers (stomach wall)
• Esophageal ulcers
• Duodenal ulcers (small intestine)

Symptoms

• Nausea
• Chest pain
• Vomiting
• Bloated feeling
• Weight loss
• Heartburn

Treatment for peptic ulcer

Treatment for ulcers caused by H. pylori infection can be done by antibiotics to kill the bacteria. For the ulcers formed by prolonged use of drugs and medications, another medication is prescribed to coat the walls of the stomach to avoid acid damage.

Arterial ulcers

This is one of the types of ulcers that is characterized by open sores that occur on one’s ankles, feet, and heels. As the name suggests, they are caused due to the damage of the arteries. This is a result of the lack of blood flow. These ulcers take a few months to heal and need careful treatment.

Symptoms

• Black, red, and yellow sores
• Hair loss
• Leg pain
• Numbness in the affected area

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Treatment for arterial ulcer

The primary treatment for arterial ulcers is done by restoring blood flow to the affected area. Surgery is recommended for the best results. However, results can be obtained to a certain level from the use of antibiotics. In severe cases, amputation (removal of a part of the body) of the leg is done.

Venous ulcers

Venous ulcers are the most common of the ulcer types. They are open wound ulcers that form on one’s leg. They are caused by the damaged veins which are a result of insufficient blood flow back to the heart.

Symptoms

• Inflammation of the affected area
• Itchiness
• Discharge

Treatment for venous ulcer

Venous ulcers have a slow healing process that can last up to months. Along with antibiotics, surgery or compression therapy is done to treat this form of ulcer.

Mouth ulcers

Mouth ulcers or “canker sores” are lesions that occur anywhere in one’s mouth. They can be caused by food allergies, hormonal changes, infections, biting one’s inner cheek or deficiencies.

They are very common and require less healing time. Therefore they usually do not require treatment. However, if the ulcer is persistent or causing a lot of pain, it is best to seek medical attention.

Genital ulcers

These ulcers form on the genital areas and are mostly caused by sexually transmitted diseases. They can also be triggered by allergic reactions and trauma. It’s characterized by rashes, itching, inflammation, and fever. This is one of the types of ulcer that mostly go away on its own except if transmitted sexually in which case, medical attention is required.

Ulcers are mostly not life-threatening as they heal by themselves. Medical attention is rarely required.