Ulceration
Ulceration
Ulceration (pronounced: ul·cer·a·tion | \ ˌəl-sə-ˈrā-shən \) is a medical condition characterized by the breakdown of skin or mucous membrane, resulting in an open sore that may be accompanied by inflammation and infection.
Etymology
The term "ulceration" is derived from the Latin word "ulcus", which means "sore".
Definition
An ulceration is a type of wound characterized by a loss of the epidermis and often portions of the dermis and even subcutaneous fat. It is typically a result of poor blood circulation, infection, or complications of a systemic disease such as diabetes.
Types of Ulceration
There are several types of ulcerations, including:
- Peptic Ulcer: This type of ulceration occurs in the stomach or upper part of the small intestine. It is often caused by an infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori or long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Venous Ulcer: Also known as stasis ulcers, these occur due to improper functioning of venous valves, usually of the legs. They are often chronic conditions.
- Pressure Ulcer: These are caused by pressure applied to soft tissue resulting in completely or partially obstructed blood flow to the soft tissue. They are common in individuals who are bedridden or otherwise immobilized.
- Diabetic Ulcer: These are a common complication of diabetes mellitus, particularly in individuals with poorly controlled blood sugar levels.
Treatment
Treatment of ulceration depends on the cause and may include medication, wound care, or in some cases, surgery. It is important to seek medical attention if an ulcer does not heal or becomes infected.
Related Terms
- Inflammation: A protective response involving immune cells, blood vessels, and molecular mediators to remove harmful stimuli.
- Infection: The invasion and multiplication of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites that are not normally present within the body.
- Epidermis: The outermost layer of the skin.
- Dermis: The layer of skin beneath the epidermis that contains tough connective tissue, hair follicles, and sweat glands.
- Subcutaneous Fat: The layer of fat located under the dermis of the skin.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ulceration
- Wikipedia's article - Ulceration
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