Ulcereren

Ulcereren is a medical term meaning to ulcerate, that is, to develop an ulcer. It describes a pathological process rather than a disease in itself and can involve skin, mucous membranes, or internal organs where tissue integrity is compromised and an open lesion forms.

Ulceration can affect various tissues and organs. Common examples include skin ulcers such as decubitus (pressure) ulcers and venous leg ulcers, as well as gastrointestinal ulcers like peptic ulcers. Corneal ulcers are another well-known type, arising from infection or other injury to the eye’s surface.

Causes and risk factors are diverse and depend on the tissue involved. Prolonged pressure, vascular insufficiency, infection, chronic inflammation, and autoimmune conditions can promote ulceration. Medications such as NSAIDs, tobacco use, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel or vascular diseases also increase risk. The specific cause influences location, appearance, and course of the ulcer.

Pathophysiology involves disruption of protective barriers, leading to tissue necrosis and an open lesion. Healing requires adequate blood supply, control of ongoing injury or infection, and an appropriate inflammatory response. Chronic ulcers may persist despite care, forming granulation tissue and scar tissue and sometimes requiring long-term wound management.

Diagnosis and management focus on identifying the underlying cause and providing appropriate wound care. This includes debridement when needed, infection control, moisture balance, and addressing contributing factors. Specific treatments vary by site: acid suppression and infection eradication for GI ulcers; compression and wound care for venous ulcers; antimicrobial therapy for infectious keratitis, among others. Prevention emphasizes risk factor modification and early treatment of injuries.

Etymology: the term derives from Latin ulcus (wound); in Dutch, ulcereren means to ulcerate.