Ulcers

Ulcers are open sores of the skin or other parts of the body which range widely in cause and seriousness. Generally, the ulcer is caused by an erosion of the epithelium—the skin is rubbed away by a lesion or wound of some sort—and is then perpetuated by an infection or inflammation of some sort and can then become dangerous. Ulcers that remain for a lengthy period (more than one month) or that are present in elderly people may become cancerous and advice from a medical practitioner should be sought.

Excessive production of acid by the stomach might be the initial cause of an ulcer or there might have been an infection by a virus.

Given the large range of ways in which the human body can interact with the environment and the large number of viral and bacterial agents in the world, it is not surprising that the range and nature of ulcers is likewise very diverse. For example, ulcers that form on the lips, known as cold sores, are generally trivial and result from the presence of a virus. Ulcers that form on the genitalia are often the result of a sexually transmitted disease and are rather more serious. Ulcers that form within the body may have done so at least in part in response to dietary [Page 1700]and lifestyle factors and, as a peptic ulcer, may cause considerable discomfort.

Bed sores are a type of ulcer which can affect patients who are obliged to lie in bed for lengthy periods. Patients who are physically weak or vulnerable are more likely to suffer from bed sores, which are caused by pressure on the skin. Also, patients who are thin are more likely to suffer from bed sores, which are more properly known as decubitus ulcers. If untreated, bed sores can be painful and can lead to the development of further problems. However, they can be successfully treated through the use of special lubricants or films which protect the affected area and may help to remove small areas of dead tissue. Depending on the degree of development of the ulcers, they may take several months to heal or longer, although this is quite normal. The best form of cure, of course, is prevention and patients can be protected by ensuring that the skin is not subject to excessive stress and is kept cool and dry, without chafing. Exercise on a daily basis is also advisable, although that will depend on the state of health in the person concerned.

Peptic ulcers of various types can form in different parts of the digestive tract. Common locations for such ulcers include the duodenum, the stomach, and the esophagus. Excessive production of acid by the stomach might be the initial cause of the ulcer or there might have been infection by a virus such as Helicobacter pylari (or pylori). The latter cause is susceptible to treatment by pharmaceuticals and the former may be reduced in importance by dealing with lifestyle factors such as type and regularity of diet, eliminating smoking, reducing stress, and so forth. Symptoms indicating the presence of such an ulcer includes sudden vomiting, unexpected weight loss, feelings of bloatedness, or rapid appetite loss. Medical practitioners can generally diagnose the presence of an ulcer from these symptoms and confirmation might be sought by use of an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EDG) test, which introduces a camera into the digestive tract to identify the exact location. Because long-standing ulcers can lead to cancer, it is important to seek medical advice if symptoms are present, especially if they extend over several weeks.

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