🩹 Ulcers – Overview

 

(Easy Read Training Text)

An ulcer is an open, painful sore.

Ulcers can appear:

• On the skin
• Inside the body, especially in the stomach or digestive system

They can be caused by:

• Infection
• Pressure on the skin
• Poor blood circulation
• Certain medications

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📚 Types of Ulcers

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🧠 Peptic Ulcers (Stomach / Digestive System)

These ulcers develop inside the digestive system, such as the stomach or small intestine.

🦠 Common causes:

• Infection with Helicobacter pylori
• Long-term use of NSAIDs (e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen)

⚠️ Symptoms:

• Burning or gnawing stomach pain
• Feeling full quickly
• Bloating
• Nausea

💊 Treatment:

• Acid-reducing medication (PPIs, H2 blockers)
• Antibiotics (if caused by bacteria)

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🩺 Skin Ulcers

These occur on the skin, often due to poor circulation or pressure.

📌 Types:

🦵 Venous Ulcers

• Caused by poor blood flow in the veins
• Usually found on the lower legs

🦶 Arterial Ulcers

• Caused by blocked arteries
• Often found on feet or toes

🧠 Neuropathic Ulcers

• Caused by nerve damage
• Common in people with diabetes

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🛏️ Pressure Ulcers (Bedsores)

• Caused by long periods of pressure on the skin
• Common in people who cannot move easily

⚠️ Symptoms:

• Red or damaged skin
• Open sores (shallow or deep)
• Pain or discomfort
• Possible infection

🛠️ Treatment:

• Reducing pressure on the area
• Keeping the wound clean
• Regular dressing changes
• Surgery in severe cases

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👄 Oral Ulcers (Mouth Ulcers / Canker Sores)

These occur inside the mouth.

📌 Causes:

• Stress
• Minor injury (e.g. biting cheek)
• Vitamin deficiencies

💊 Treatment:

• Saltwater rinses
• Antiseptic gels
• Soothing creams or ointments

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⚠️ Symptoms of Ulcers (General)

• Open sores
• Pain or burning sensation
• Redness or swelling
• Bleeding (in some cases)
• Signs of infection (pus, fever)

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🧬 Causes of Ulcers

Ulcers can develop due to:

• Infection (especially bacteria)
• Long-term use of certain medications
• Poor blood circulation
• Pressure on the skin
• Nerve damage
• Stress or poor nutrition

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🛠️ Treatment and Management

Treatment depends on the type of ulcer.

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💊 Medication

• Antibiotics (for infections)
• Acid-reducing medication (for stomach ulcers)

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🩹 Wound Care

• Cleaning the wound
• Applying dressings
• Preventing infection

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❤️ Improving Circulation

• Movement and exercise (where possible)
• Managing underlying conditions

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🏥 Medical Procedures

• Surgery may be needed in severe cases

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🚨 When to See a Doctor

Seek medical help if:

• An ulcer does not heal within 2 weeks
• The sore is very painful
• There are signs of infection (pus, fever)
• The ulcer is in a sensitive or serious area

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🌍 Key Message

Ulcers can affect different parts of the body and vary in severity.

Early treatment and proper care can:

• Prevent complications
• Reduce pain
• Support healing

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🌟 Final Summary

Ulcers can be:

• Internal (stomach / digestive)
• External (skin or mouth)

They may be caused by:

• Infection
• Pressure
• Poor circulation
• Medication

With the right care and treatment, most ulcers can heal successfully.