An ulcer, or ulcer, is a deep-seated substance defect in the skin. An ulcer is a nontraumatic but infectious or ischemic disease symptom. Because of its deep-layered defects in the skin, hubless healing is no longer possible.
What are ulcers?
An ulcer is a substance defect of the mucosa or skin, which is deep-lying. There is death and rupture of the superficial layers of the tissue. An ulcer is a substance defect of the mucous membrane or skin, which is deep-lying. There is a death and rupture of the superficial layers of the tissue, but the underlying deep layer is also involved. An ulcer usually heals very badly and often leads to a continuous secretion of pus. Most often, these changes occur in the area of the lower extremities or in the gastrointestinal tract. In the medical field, an ulcer is grouped under the generic term ulcer.
Causes
Circulatory disorders, tumors, and infections, or a combination of these, can be the cause of an ulcer in the skin. Furthermore, ulcers are often accompanying symptoms of general diseases and not infrequently occur over large areas of the human body. The cause of an ulcer is usually poor blood circulation coupled with other factors. One of these other factors can be moisture and external pressure on a less perfused area. An example of this is the so-called bedsore. Varicose veins can create such a strong internal pressure that this, combined with insufficient blood flow, can also lead to an ulcer. A weakened immune system, such as in diabetes or arteriosclerosis, can also be causative. In diseases such as leprosy, syphilis or tuberculosis, an ulcer is caused by bacteria. But an ulcer can also be caused by a malignant tumor and break through to the outside. An ulcer in the gastrointestinal tract is usually caused by increased acid production. This already damages the stomach mucosa or reaches the intestine during digestion and damages the mucosa here. If this happens over a longer period of time, an ulcer can form within the damaged mucosa. Excessive consumption of alcohol, nicotine or medication can also cause such damage to the mucous membrane, as can prolonged stress. An infestation with the well-known stomach bacterium Helicobacter pylori can also lead to an ulcer in the stomach mucosa in the long term.
Diseases with this symptom
- Leprosy
- Intestinal ulcer
- Corneal ulcer
- Skin cancer
- Syphilis
- Duodenal ulcer
- Ulcers in the mouth
- Nicotine addiction
- Tuberculosis
- Stomach ulcer
- Foot ulcer and leg ulcer
- Alcohol addiction
Diagnosis and course
When thinking of ulcers, many people think of gastrointestinal complaints. But the group of ulcers also called ulcer can occur directly under the skin or in various mucosal regions. Abrasions are not usually included in this group. An ulcer does not necessarily have to be malignant, but it usually belongs in medical hands. Small aphthae of the oral mucosa can be diagnosed at home and treated with over-the-counter medications. Open legs, duodenal ulcers or those in the area of the sexual organs should be examined by a doctor, who may take cell samples and suggest treatment with medication or surgery. Because of the wide variety of causes, measures, some of which are combinatorial, also extend to work relief, stress reduction and exercise programs.
Complications
Ulcers and the treatment of them can lead to various complications. First, there is a risk that the ulcer will spread to other organs. If the ulcer presses on important organs or nerves, this can have an impact on various bodily functions, depending on the position and location of the defect; for example, the motor function of the limbs may be correspondingly restricted by an ulcer close to the nerves. During treatment, which is usually performed on an outpatient basis and without bed rest, penetration or perforation of the ulcer may occur; in this case, part of the ulcer breaks open and pushes into neighboring organs.This is often accompanied by bleeding and severe pain, and the breakthrough of the ulcer itself can have serious consequences. In the case of an ulcer (stomach ulcer), for example, a breakthrough can damage the blood vessels behind the stomach outlet. Chronic bleeding is less problematic, but leads to anemia and can become more extensive over time. In many cases, severe bleeding poses a risk to life because of blood loss and difficulty reaching the ulcer. Less risky are the complications of scarring narrowing of the gastric outlet or malignant degeneration. In both cases, patients may experience digestive problems and, at times, pain; however, symptoms can almost always be reliably contained during outpatient treatment.
When should you see a doctor?
It is imperative to follow up on the suspicion of having an ulcer. This is necessary for diagnostic purposes alone. Simple and minor ulcers, such as aphthae around the mouth, are harmless in the overwhelming majority of cases. They can be easily treated by the patient without a visit to the doctor using freely available remedies from the pharmacy, so that the involvement of a doctor is not absolutely necessary. However, independent treatment requires following the pharmacist’s instructions exactly. In addition, the affected area must be observed for a sufficient period of time. If there is no improvement despite treatment with free medications, medical advice should be sought immediately. This is the only way to ensure adequate treatment. Larger ulcers must be examined by a doctor as soon as possible. This is because open legs, ulcers in the intimate or stomach area are to be taken extremely seriously, as complications can possibly lead to long-term damage. Waiting too long would be irresponsible. In these cases, therefore, it is important not to delay too long for preventive reasons. Consequently, independent attempts at therapy are strongly discouraged because of the potential dangers involved.
Treatment and therapy
Hygiene should be the first priority in the treatment of an ulcer. There must be wound treatment according to the rules of medical art and regular disinfection of the ulcer. To improve wound healing, the area of the body affected by the ulcer should be immobilized. Patients who are bedridden must be regularly repositioned to facilitate the healing of an existing ulcer and to prevent the formation of another ulcer due to pressure points. If there is increased flesh proliferation, the ulcer can be treated with camphor wine or irritant ointments. If the flesh on the ulcer is proliferating too much, the affected area can be coated with hellstone. In the worst case, skin grafting may be necessary. In the case of an ulcer in the gastrointestinal tract, acid production in the stomach can be inhibited by means of a proton pump inhibitor. If a bacterial infection is present, it should first be treated with medication in order to achieve long-term success. Other external factors such as smoking or the like should be minimized if possible.
Outlook and prognosis
For ulcers, the prognosis is based on the causative disease, type and size of inflammation, and individual conditions. For example, the cure rate for a benign gastric ulcer detected early is more than 90 percent, while a malignant corneal ulcer can cause permanent damage to the eye within a few days. Risk factors such as older age or the use of painkillers worsen the prospects of a complete recovery. In general, benign ulcers are easily treatable with modern therapy options and usually heal quickly and without long-term consequences for the affected person. In most cases, the ulcers merely displace the surrounding tissue and, in the worst case, inflict indirect damage. Gastric ulcers are often accompanied by weight loss, which in the later stages of the disease can lead to a so-called hourglass stomach, which significantly worsens the prognosis. Comparable problems can occur with ulcers in the lungs, head and internal organs. In the case of malignant ulcers, the prognosis depends on the size of the tumor and the degree of metastasis; immediate treatment is vital in all cases due to rapid growth.
Prevention
To prevent an ulcer, it is important to prevent the development of circulatory disorders. An important foundation is already laid by a balanced diet, the consumption of little animal protein and salt. Furthermore, excessive alcohol, medication and nicotine consumption should be avoided. Regular light physical exercise not only increases well-being, but also strengthens the cardiovascular system. Sufficient supply of vitamin E stimulates blood circulation and cell wall protection of vessels and organs also takes place. Garlic is a good source of vitamin E and also strengthens the heart muscle. This is an important point to prevent an ulcer.
Home remedies and herbs against ulcer
- Pour the decoction of boiled aloe leaves in a bath, helps with deep-seated ulcers.
What you can do yourself
An ulcer (ulcer) in the gastrointestinal tract is often due to increased acid production, which damages the gastric mucosa or intestinal mucosa. In these cases, the patient himself can do much to alleviate the condition. The patient should avoid nicotine, strong or black coffee and alcohol, especially acidic wine or high-proof brandy. Fatty foods and animal proteins also unnecessarily burden the stomach. In contrast, a high-fiber vegetarian diet has a favorable effect. Besides the concerning can fall back also to naturkundliche remedies. In homeopathy Schüssler salts are used. Healing earths are also said to be helpful. If the stomach acidity is essentially due to stress, the affected person should avoid stressful situations whenever possible and learn relaxation techniques. Aphtae, i.e. small ulcers in the oral mucosa, can be treated with over-the-counter medications from the pharmacy. In addition, oral hygiene should be improved and the teeth and tongue should be cleaned after every meal to prevent the development of new ulcers. Regular exercise as well as scrupulous hygiene will help with an ulcer on the skin or in the extremities, for which the lack of blood circulation in the affected areas is the cause.
