Ulcer

Definition

An ulcer (technical term: ulcer) is a defect in the skin or mucous membrane that also affects deeper tissue layers. In contrast to a wound, the cause is not traumatic in nature. Instead, chemical or infectious processes damage the tissue. Characteristically, an ulcer is a long-lasting and poorly healing open area.

Causes

The causes of an ulcer can be manifold. If the ulcers are found on the skin, poor circulation of the tissue is usually the reason for the defect. If, on the other hand, the ulcer is located in the gastrointestinal tract, for example, both circulatory problems and bacterial causes and an imbalance of digestive enzymes may be possible causes. What these causes have in common is that they damage the tissue over a longer period of time and over time lead to an open defect.

Necrosis

Necrosis is the death of tissue. In this process, individual cells die before the entire tissue is affected. The causes of such necrosis can be a lack of nutrients, chemical and physical influences (toxins, radioactive radiation) or a lack of oxygen. Necrotic tissue on an ulcer usually develops after some time, when the body cannot close the defect again.

Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacteria that is found in the stomach of many people. Despite the high acidity in the stomach, the bacteria have learned to survive there. In many people the bacteria do not cause problems. However, if there is a chemical change in the stomach acid at the same time, for example due to stress, the bacteria can attack the stomach lining. This leads to a stomach ulcer or gastric ulcer.

Circulatory problem

Circulatory disorders can have many causes, but they cause the same symptoms in different places. Due to the reduced blood circulation, the tissue is not sufficiently supplied with nutrients and oxygen. At the same time, metabolic products cannot be removed from the tissue.

This leads to defects that can cause an ulcer. This is often the case with pAVK (peripheral arterial occlusive disease) in the legs. But the gastrointestinal tract can also develop ulcers due to circulatory disorders.