A Comprehensive List of Ulcer Types

A Comprehensive List of Ulcer Types

An ulcer is commonly referred to as the break in the membrane of the body causing an impediment for that organ to function effectively. There are several types of ulcers but the most commonly known are related to the gastrointestinal area, mouth and the ulcers that take the form of wounds. Here is a comprehensive list to give you the awareness you need:

Dermatology related ulcers
This is a situation where there is a break in the skin. They are largely classified as:

  • Pressure ulcers

That which happens because the body or part of the body exhibits continued pressure on a specific area for a long time. Bedsores are a kind of pressure ulcer too.

  • Genital ulcers

Enlarged lymph nodes could be a potential reason why ulcers develop in the genitals. Other reasons include sexually transmitted diseases like genital herpes, chancroid or syphilis.

  • Ulcerative dermatitis

Caused due to intense itching which causes aggravation and perpetuates the lesion. The primary cause in this case would be a bacterial, fungal or yeast infection.

  • Anal fissure

This is a condition where there is a break in the skin of the anal canal. They can be diagnosed by noticing bloodstains in the toilet or in the undergarments. The possible reason could be the poor perfusion of the anal wall in that particular location.

  • Diabetic foot ulcer

Also known as diabetic foot, this type of ulcer is caused by prolonged infection due to volatile blood sugar levels.

Corneal ulcer
One of the main types of ulcers, this ulcer occurs due to the infection of the cornea involving the disruption of the epithelial layer. Largely occurs in children afflicted by the deficiency of Vitamin A.

Mouth ulcers
Usually considered as a low-risk ulcer with no serious under cause, with the right treatment it takes just about a week to get better. However, doctors do consider recurring mouth ulcers as a symptom of a much larger ulcer, perhaps lurking in the gastrointestinal area.

Another type of mouth ulcer commonly referred to as canker sores are also a kind of ulcer that has different trigger points including deficiency in nutrition, stress, the influence of change in hormones, allergies, etc.

Peptic ulcer
A break either in the lower half esophagus, the inner lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine results in peptic ulcer. When the ulcer is in the stomach it is referred to as gastric ulcer, if in the first part of the intestine – duodenal ulcer and if in the esophagus, it is called the esophagus ulcer. Poor appetite, weight loss, belching, vomiting are some of the symptoms and the treatment process is fairly long as well.

Venous ulcer
One of the lesser-known ulcers and is believed to occur due to the improper functioning of the venous valves – this affects the legs and particularly the medial distal leg and can have harmful effects on the quality of life. Compression stock is highly recommended to overcome this.

Ulcerative colitis (UC)
Inflammation and ulcer on the colon and rectum are referred to as ulcerative colitis. The reason for the same is unknown although some of the reasons attributed are dysfunction in the immune system, genetics and changes in the gut bacteria and also other environmental factors. Stress is also known to trigger ulcerative colitis.