Understanding Ulcers: Symptoms, Causes, and Management
What Are Ulcers? Ulcers are open wounds that form on the skin or inside the body’s hollow organs, causing significant pain and burning sensations. They typically result from reduced blood supply to the affected area. Ulcers appear as open craters, usually round but can become irregular in advanced stages, with corroded skin layers. The center is often the most affected, with destruction of the epidermis, dermis, and fat layer, while the outer edges show less severe damage. The surrounding skin is red, swollen, and tender. Symptoms of Ulcers Red, tender, and swollen skin around the ulcer Pain around the ulcer site Fluid discharge, sometimes with pus Occasional fever if bacterial infection occurs Potential bleeding, ranging from small clots to significant blood loss Types of Ulcers Acute Ulcers : Heal within 12 weeks (3 months). Chronic Ulcers : Take longer than 12 weeks to heal and show ongoing destruction without significant healing progress. Stages of Ulcer Development Initial Stage :