Ulcer at the anus

Before an ulcer can form on the anus, there must be a defect in the mucous membrane in the area of the anus. This can be caused by trauma, but infections, tumors or inflammatory bowel diseases can also cause such a superficial defect. Normally, such a wound is quickly closed again by the body, but delayed wound healing can occur due to poor blood circulation or, for example, due to infections and inflammations.

Especially in the area of the anus, regular contact with bowel movements and the (naturally) contained bacteria often leads to wound healing disorders, which means that the development of an ulcer is not rare. The bacteria settled in the gastrointestinal tract settle on the ulcer and often lead to the formation of a pus cavity (abscess). An ulcer of the anus is usually first treated with local ointments and wound dressings. However, this is only possible if the ulcer is so superficial that it can be easily reached. If it does not heal with these measures, surgery with removal of the affected tissue may be necessary.

Bowel Ulcer

Ulcers in the intestine usually occur as part of an underlying disease of the gastrointestinal tract. This includes circulatory disorders of the vessels that supply the digestive organs with blood. Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases can also cause ulcers in the intestine.

If only the colon is affected by such ulcerations, the disease is called ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s disease, on the other hand, affects different sections of the intestine and usually begins in the last part of the small intestine. The chronic inflammatory bowel diseases are due to an overreaction of the immune system, which is why they are treated with drugs such as cortisone and immunosuppressive drugs (active ingredients that inhibit the immune system).

If this is not sufficient, the affected sections of the intestine must be surgically removed. Although ulcerative colitis can be cured by a complete removal of the colon, the missing section of the colon may reduce the quality of life. Crohn’s disease, on the other hand, cannot be cured by surgery.

If the ulcers are due to circulatory disorders, the circulatory system is treated with medication. For this purpose, blood pressure and blood lipid levels are adjusted. It may be necessary to take blood thinners to prevent the formation of blood clots. If this is not sufficient, undersupplied sections of the intestine may have to be removed surgically.