ulcere

Ulcere is a term used in several Romance languages to denote ulcers, which are localized lesions of the skin or mucous membranes in which tissue loss has occurred. Ulcers vary in depth and size and are typically surrounded by inflamed tissue. They can be painful and are prone to infection and slow healing. Ulcers arise from a combination of injury, ischemia, infection, and impaired repair processes.

Common types include peptic ulcers of the stomach or duodenum, mouth ulcers such as aphthae, venous leg ulcers, arterial or ischemic ulcers, pressure ulcers from prolonged immobility, and diabetic foot ulcers. Each type has distinct causes, risk factors, and patterns of healing.

Causes and risk factors: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Helicobacter pylori infection, and excessive gastric acid contribute to gastrointestinal ulcers; vascular disease, diabetes, smoking, and edema increase cutaneous ulcers; immobility and malnutrition raise risk for pressure ulcers; neuropathy and poor wound healing contribute to diabetic ulcers.

Symptoms and diagnosis: Ulcers present with localized pain, tenderness, and visible tissue loss. GI ulcers may cause upper abdominal pain, bleeding, or anemia; oral ulcers cause mouth pain and eating difficulty. Diagnosis relies on history, examination, and site-specific tests such as endoscopy for GI ulcers, imaging, biopsy, and wound swabs to assess infection.

Treatment and prognosis: Management targets the underlying cause, promotes healing, and prevents complications. GI ulcers may require eradication of H. pylori and acid-suppressive therapy; skin ulcers require wound care, debridement, infection control, and management of vascular or metabolic disease. Prevention focuses on risk-factor modification, nutrition, and regular monitoring; prognosis improves with early treatment.