What Are Skin Ulcers?
Skin ulcers can be caused by various things. Trauma, exposure to heat or cold, issues with blood circulation, infection or irritation or exposure to corrosive material can cause skin ulcers. Bed sores are a form of skin ulcer. Several health conditions also cause skin ulcers. They can be painful, uncomfortable and embarrassing. Skin ulcers can be a chronic condition and can take several days (up to several weeks) to heal.
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Mouth Ulcers
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Mouth sores, also referred to as canker sores, are one form of skin ulcer. Canker sores can be described as a cluster or lone erosion within the mucus membrane inside of the mouth. They should not be confused with cold sores, which appear on the outside of the mouth and near the outside of the mouth. Canker sores are often painful and shallow. With severe canker sore attacks, the individual may suffer from extreme fatigue, fever and swollen lymph nodes.
Canker sores last seven to 10 days. Some home remedies for getting rid of them include putting salt directly on the sore or rinsing the mouth out with warm salt water. Most canker sores will go away on their own if left alone.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency
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Chronic venous insufficiency, also referred to as CVI, is when there is a poor blood return from the feet and ankles to the heart. It can occur following excessive clotting and inflammation of the leg veins. This disease is referred to deep vein thrombosis. It results when the veins in the leg fail to hold blood against gravity, which leads to sluggish movement of the blood out of the veins, resulting in swollen legs. CVI can also lead to skin ulcers and infection but is not considered to be a serious health condition. Treatment typically focuses on easing discomfort and pain.
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Diabetes
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Diabetes is often accompanied by skin ulcers. A person who has diabetes cannot properly produce insulin or can't sufficiently use the insulin he produces. This can lead to poor wound healing and easy bruising. A person with diabetes is also at higher risk for infection and having problems involving the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart.
Diabetic skin ulcers are referred to as pressure ulcers. People typically develop them when they have been confined to bed for a period of time. They usually occur at the spine, lower back, shoulder blades, elbows and heels. These are the points where the weight of the patient's body presses the skin against the firm surface of the bed.
Bed sores can become serious if left untreated. When this occurs, the patient may develop an infection. They last anywhere from three weeks to six months, but are considered to be a chronic condition for some individuals.
Infection
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When a person's body has been invaded with bacteria, viruses or fungi, she usually develops an infection. Not all of these will cause infection; however, the immune system plays a huge role in the development of skin ulcers. If the bacteria from a skin ulcer enters the bloodstream, this can be a real problem. Boils are a type of skin ulcer, which are caused by infection and a poor immune system.
Peripheral Vascular Disease
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Peripheral vascular disease, also known as PVD, actually refers to a variety of conditions, which primarily affect the arteries of the body. PVD does not typically affect the coronary arteries, which supply the blood to the heart. PVD often causes skin ulcers. Treatment options vary; however, patients should follow a doctor's instructions.
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