Ulcer

An ulcer (from Latin ulcus) is an open sore of the skin, eyes or mucous membrane, often caused by an initial abrasion and generally maintained by an inflammation and/or an infection.

Pathology of ulceration

The most common causes are:

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• Bacterial infection
• Viral infection
• Fungal infection
• Cancer
• Venous stasis
• Diabetes
• Amyloidosis
• Loss of mobility
• Hypertension

Some specific types of ulcers are:

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• peptic ulcer (of the stomach or duodenum)
• mouth ulcer
• pressure ulcer (decubitus)
• crural ulcer (due to venous insufficiency or other causes)