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What Does A Stomach Ulcer Look Like

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Identifying A Skin Ulcer

Stomach Ulcer | Nucleus Health

Skin ulcers typically look like a round open sore in the skin. The outer border of the sore might look raised and thick. As the ulcer forms, you may notice the skin discoloration in that specific area. It might begin to look red and feel warm. Those with darker skin tones will notice that their skin may look shiny or even turning blue. As the skin ulcer worsens, it will begin to look like a crater. It will typically begin to weep clear fluid or even blood.

Other symptoms depend on the type and severity of the ulcer. Depending on the type of ulcer you have, you may notice:

  • Swelling
  • Yellow or green pus

Skin Ulcer Risk Factors

Certain risk factors can lead to an increased susceptibility to skin ulcers. It is important to know what these risk factors are to be vigilant and prepared, both for yourself and your loved ones. Below are a few risk factors:

What Causes Poor Blood Circulation?

Since skin ulcers are primarily caused by poor blood circulation, it is important to understand the more common causes of circulation issues.

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What Is The Treatment For Peptic Ulcers

The choice of treatment depends on whether or not the ulcer is caused by infection with H pylori. Correct diagnosis is key to whether a treatment works or not. If the bacteria are the cause, treatment focuses on killing the infection. Regardless of whether the bacteria are the cause, reducing acid in the stomach is another important focus of treatment.

The following treatments are recommended for ulcers:

  • Lifestyle changes: Quit smoking, avoid alcohol, aspirin, and NSAIDs
  • Acid-blocking medications
  • Medications that protect the lining of the stomach and duodenum
  • “Triple-therapy” or “dual-therapy” regimens for ulcers caused by H pylori

No single medication works to get rid of H pylori infection. Two combinations have been found that work well in most people.

These treatments are generally given for two weeks.

Once H pylori bacteria are eradicated from a person’s digestive tract, usually it will not come back. The ulcers usually heal completely and do not return.

Treatment for bleeding ulcers depends on the severity of blood loss and includes:

It is important to remember that treatment may not work if the diagnosis is not correct. If the doctor diagnoses an ulcer, it is important to determine whether the ulcer is caused by infection with H pylori.

How Does H Pylori Cause Ulcers

Although many people naturally carry H. pylori, it is not clear why the bacteria only cause ulcers in some people. H. pylori spread through food and water. They live in the mucus that coats the lining of the stomach and duodenum, and they produce urease, an enzyme that neutralizes stomach acid by making it less acidic.

To compensate for this, the stomach produces more acid, and this irritates the stomach lining. The bacteria also weaken the defense system of the stomach and causes inflammation. Patients with peptic ulcers caused by H. pylori need treatment to get rid of the bacterium from the stomach, and to prevent them coming back.

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Signs You May Have An Ulcer

Did you know that stomach ulcers also called peptic ulcers affect at least 1 in 10 Americans over the course of their lives? And while stomach ulcers can be treated easily when caught early, lack of medical care can lead to serious complications.

Understanding the signs of stomach ulcers is important in helping you get the treatment you need. At Prima Medicine in Fairfax and South Riding, Virginia, our care team has the experience and knowledge to diagnose and treat stomach ulcers. Weve curated this guide to help you recognize the warning signs of an ulcer and understand what you can do about it.

Do You Have A Stomach Ulcer

What Does a Stomach Ulcer Look Like?

If you suspect that you have a stomach ulcer, it is beyond important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. As you can tell from the symptoms listed above, things can only get worse if your ulcer goes untreated. Call the experts at West Gastroenterology in Los Angeles today and make an appointment!

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  • 8110 Airport Boulevard, 2nd FloorLos Angeles,CA90045

  • 25495 Medical Center Drive, Suite 302Murrieta,CA92562

  • 311 Haigh Road, Suite 200Newbury Park,CA91320

  • 482 South Main Street Corona,CA92882

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How Is Venous Insufficiency Diagnosed

Your doctor will want to do a physical examination and take a complete medical history to figure out if you have venous insufficiency. They may also order some imaging tests to pinpoint the source of the problem. These tests may include a venogram or a duplex ultrasound.

Venogram. Your doctor will put an intravenous contrast dye into your veins. Contrast dye causes the blood vessels to appear opaque on the X-ray image, which helps the doctor see them on the image. This dye will provide your doctor with a clearer x-ray picture of your blood vessels.

Duplex ultrasound. A type of test called a duplex ultrasound may be used to test the speed and direction of blood flow in the veins. A technician will place gel on the skin and then press a small hand-held device against your skin. The transducer uses sound waves that bounce back to a computer and produce the images of blood flow.

Peptic Ulcer Facts And Picture

  • Peptic ulcer are sores in the lining of the esophagus, stomach or duodenum.
  • The main symptom of a stomach or duodenal ulcer is upper abdominal pain, which can be dull, sharp, or burning .
  • Other associated symptoms may include:
  • Acid reflux or heartburn
  • Feeling satiated when eating
  • Peptic ulcer formation is related to H. pylori bacteria in the stomach and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications in 50% of patients. For the remaining 50% there are miscellaneous causes such as drugs, lifestyle factors , severe physiological stress, and genetic factors, but less frequently the cause is unknown.
  • Ulcer pain may not correlate with the presence or severity of ulceration.
  • Diagnosis of an ulcer can be made with an upper GI series or endoscopy.
  • Treatment of the esophagus, stomach or duodenal ulcersaims to relieve pain, heal the ulcer, and prevent complications. Medical treatment involves antibiotic combinations along with stomach acid suppression medication, for example, antacids, proton pump inhibitors to eradicate H. pylori eliminating precipitating factors such as NSAIDs or suppressing stomach acid alone.
  • Complications of esophageal, duodenal or stomach ulcers include
  • bleeding,
  • perforation, and
  • blockage to the passage of food due to gastric obstruction from the swelling or scaring that surrounds the ulcer.
  • If a person with peptic ulcers smokes or takes NSAIDs, the ulcers may recur after treatment.
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    When To See A Dermatologist

    Diabetes can cause many other skin problems. Most skin problems are harmless, but even a minor one can become serious in people who have diabetes. A board-certified dermatologist can recognize skin problems due to diabetes and help you manage them.

    Are all dermatologists board certified?

    No. See what it takes to become board certified.

    ImagesImage 1: Image Courtesy of Clark C. Otley, MD. All Rights Reserved

    Images 3, 7, 8, 9: Used with permission of the American Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides.

    Image 2 from DermNetNZ

    Some images used with permission of Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

    ReferencesCohen Sabban, EN. Cutaneous manifestations of diabetes mellitus from A to Z. Focus session presented at: 74th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology March 4-8, 2016 Washington D.C.

    Duff M, Demidova O, et al. Cutaneous manifestations of diabetes mellitus. Clinical Diabetes. 2015 33:40-8.

    Kalus AA, Chien AJ, et al. Diabetes mellitus and other endocrine disorders. In: Wolff K, Goldsmith LA, et al. Fitzpatricks Dermatology in General Medicine . McGraw Hill Medical, New York, 2008:1461-70.

    McKinley-Grant L, Warnick M, et al. Cutaneous manifestations of systemic disease. In: Kelly AP and Taylor S. Dermatology for Skin of Color. . The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. China, 2009:481-4.

    Morgan AJ and Schwartz RA. Diabetic dermopathy: A subtle sign with grave implications. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008 58:447-51.

    What Is An Ulcer

    How a peptic ulcer develops

    An ulcer is an open, painful sore. Peptic ulcers affect the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine, called the duodenum . Ulcers in the stomach are also called stomach ulcers or gastric ulcers. Those in the duodenum are also called duodenal ulcers.

    Peptic ulcers are common, but mostly affect adults. Most can be cured.

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    How Do Tumors From Zes Cause Peptic Ulcers

    Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a rare disorder that happens when one or more tumors form in your pancreas and duodenum. The tumors release large amounts of gastrin, a hormone that causes your stomach to produce large amounts of acid. The extra acid causes peptic ulcers to form in your duodenum and in the upper intestine.

    What Should I Do If I Think I Have A Stomach Ulcer

    Always seek medical care for a stomach ulcer. While you may be able to manage symptoms temporarily with over-the-counter medications, these wont heal the ulcer. You need to identify and treat the underlying cause. An untreated ulcer can lead to serious complications, even if your symptoms are mild. The major cause of stomach ulcers, H. pylori infection, can also lead to other complications.

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    What Does A Stomach Ulcer Feel Like

    The classic symptoms of peptic ulcers are stomach pain and indigestion. Ulcer pain feels like burning or gnawing inside your stomach, which is between your breastbone and your belly button. It may improve temporarily when you eat or drink or when you take an antacid, medication to reduce stomach acid. It may feel worse between meals and at night when stomach acid builds up without food to digest. It may also make you feel like you dont want to eat.

    How do I know if I have an ulcer or gastritis?

    Gastritis and gastric ulcers share many symptoms and often go hand in hand. Gastritis can be a precursor to stomach ulcers, caused by the same conditions that will eventually cause ulcers, including H. pylori infection and mucous erosion. You may also have both.

    Both gastritis and stomach ulcers can cause stomach pain, as well as symptoms of indigestion. Usually, the pain from an ulcer will feel more localized like its coming from one particular spot. But since some ulcers are silent, you might not feel it if you do have one.

    If you have symptoms of either gastritis or stomach ulcer, you should seek medical care. Gastritis can lead to ulcers if it hasnt already. It can also indicate an infection or other condition that needs to be treated. Medical testing can quickly determine the causes of your stomach pain.

    How can I tell if I have ulcer pain or heartburn?

    How Do You Know If You Have A Stomach Ulcer

    What Does a Stomach Ulcer Look Like?

    If you have a stomach ulcer, you may have:

    • Burning/dull pain or gnawing pain in the center of your tummy
    • Pain that worsens between meals
    • Vomiting in the middle of the night

    Visit the doctor/gastroenterologist if you

    • Vomit blood that is bright red or dark brown
    • Are passing dark, sticky, tar-like poo
    • Have sudden, sharp pain in your tummy that gets worse steadily
    • These could be the signs of internal bleeding, and this can be fatal.

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    How Can I Prevent Ulcers

    You may be able to prevent ulcers from forming if you:

    • Talk to your doctor about alternatives to NSAID medications to relieve pain.
    • Discuss protective measures with your doctor, if you cant stop taking an NSAID.
    • Opt for the lowest effective dose of NSAID and take it with a meal.
    • Quit smoking.
    • Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.

    Can Stomach Ulcers Just Go Away

    Some ulcers follow a chronic pattern of healing temporarily on their own and then returning. This might happen if the factors contributing to your ulcer, such as NSAID use, smoking and alcohol, are temporarily reduced and then resumed. You wont completely heal your ulcer until you eliminate the cause, whether that is chronic NSAID use, H. pylori infection or an overactive stomach. Even after successful treatment, you can get another ulcer.

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    What Are My Treatment Options

    Treatment will depend on many factors, including the reason for the condition and your health status and history. Other factors your doctor will consider are:

    • Your specific symptoms.
    • How severe your condition is.
    • How well you can tolerate medications or procedures.

    The most common treatment for venous insufficiency is prescription-wear compression stockings, she says. These special elastic stockings apply pressure at the ankle and lower leg. They help improve blood flow and can reduce leg swelling.

    You also can improve blood flow by keeping your legs elevated whenever possible, which means keeping them uncrossed when you are seated and by exercising regularly.

    If you need medication, the most commonly prescribed include:

    • Diuretics. These medications draw extra fluid from your body through your kidneys.
    • Anticoagulants. These medications thin the blood.
    • Pentoxifylline . This medication helps improve blood flow.

    What Are The Symptoms Of Peptic Ulcers

    S1E15 Stomach Ulcers

    Each persons symptoms may vary. In some cases ulcers dont cause any symptoms.

    The most common ulcer symptom is a dull or burning pain in your belly between your breastbone and your belly button . This pain often occurs around meal times and may wake you up at night. It can last from a few minutes to a few hours.

    Less common ulcer symptoms may include:

    • Feeling full after eating a small amount of food
    • Burping
    • Bloody or black stool
    • Vomiting blood

    Peptic ulcer symptoms may look like other health problems. Always see your healthcare provider to be sure.

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    Your Appetite Went Mia

    For many patients with ulcers, the condition can actually result in a loss of appetite. This drop in food intake, combined with occasional vomiting, may lead to unexpected weight loss. Some ulcer patients report eating their normal amount of food, yet still lose weight, so the ulcer itself may cause a drop on the scale, too.

    When Should I Call My Healthcare Provider

    See your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms:

    • Vomiting blood or dark material that looks like coffee grounds
    • Extreme weakness or dizziness
    • Blood in your stools
    • Nausea or vomiting that doesnt get better, or gets worse
    • A sudden, severe pain that may spread to your back
    • Losing weight without even trying

    Untreated peptic ulcers may cause other health problems. Sometimes they bleed. If they become too deep, they can break through your stomach.

    Ulcers can also keep food from going through your stomach.

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    Locations Of Buruli Ulcer Outbreaks

    Buruli ulcer has been reported in 33 countries around the world. Affected areas include rural West Africa, Central Africa, New Guinea, Latin America and tropical regions of Asia.

    In Australia, Buruli ulcer most commonly occurs in localised coastal areas of Victoria.

    There are three recognised levels of risk in the areas where Buruli ulcer is endemic in Victoria:

    • The highest risk is associated with the active transmission areas of Rye, Sorrento, Blairgowrie and Tootgarook on the Mornington Peninsula.
    • There is a moderate risk associated with areas in the Bellarine Peninsula , and the Frankston and Seaford areas.
    • There is a low risk associated with the rest of the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsula, the South Eastern Bayside suburbs and East Gippsland.

    Recent cases from Aireys Inlet on the Surf Coast and the Geelong suburb of Belmont, as well as Essendon, Moonee Ponds and Brunswick West in inner Melbourne, suggest that these are emerging areas of local transmission. Two cases were identified in residents in Aireys Inlet and two in Belmont during 2019, with no known travel to an endemic area. The risk of transmission in these areas is considered low.

    How Are Peptic Ulcers Treated

    What Does a Stomach Ulcer Look Like?

    Treatment will depend on the type of ulcer you have. Your healthcare provider will create a care plan for you based on what is causing your ulcer.

    Treatment can include making lifestyle changes, taking medicines, or in some cases having surgery.

    Lifestyle changes may include:

    • Not eating certain foods. Avoid any foods that make your symptoms worse.
    • Quitting smoking. Smoking can keep your ulcer from healing. It is also linked to ulcers coming back after treatment.
    • Limiting alcohol and caffeine. They can make your symptoms worse.
    • Not using NSAIDs . These include aspirin and ibuprofen.

    Medicines to treat ulcers may include:

    • Antibiotics. These bacteria-fighting medicines are used to kill the H. pylori bacteria. Often a mix of antibiotics and other medicines is used to cure the ulcer and get rid of the infection.
    • H2-blockers . These reduce the amount of acid your stomach makes by blocking the hormone histamine. Histamine helps to make acid.
    • Proton pump inhibitors or PPIs. These lower stomach acid levels and protect the lining of your stomach and duodenum.
    • Mucosal protective agents. These medicines protect the stomachs mucus lining from acid damage so that it can heal.
    • Antacids. These quickly weaken or neutralize stomach acid to ease your symptoms.

    In most cases, medicines can heal ulcers quickly. Once the H. pylori bacteria is removed, most ulcers do not come back.

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    Other Causes Of Peptic Ulcers

    • Genetics: A significant number of individuals with peptic ulcers have close relatives with the same problem, suggesting that genetic factors may be involved.
    • Smoking: People who regularly smoke tobacco are more likely to develop peptic ulcers when compared with non-smokers.
    • Alcohol consumption: Regular heavy drinkers of alcohol have a higher risk of developing peptic ulcers.
    • Corticosteroid use: People on large or chronic doses of corticosteroids are also at greater risk.
    • Mental stress: This stress has not been linked to the development of new peptic ulcers, but symptoms appear to be more severe in people with ulcers who are experiencing ongoing mental stress.

    A patientâs description of symptoms will normally cause a doctor to suspect a peptic ulcer.

    Tests that can confirm a diagnosis include:

    • a blood test to check for H. pylori, though a positive test does not always mean there is an active infection
    • a breath test, using a radioactive carbon atom to detect H. pylori
    • a stool antigen test to detect H. pylori in the feces
    • an upper gastrointestinal X-ray to identify ulcers

    An endoscopy may also be used. This involves a long, narrow tube with a camera attached to the end is threaded down the patientâs throat and into the stomach and duodenum. This is the best diagnostic test.

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