An ulcer is one of the most uncommon conditions, It comes up as a painful sore and takes quite some time to heal. The condition also usually recurs. The different types of ulcers are classified based on the location that they appear at, the symptoms that they induce in the body, and how they appear. Ulcers can usually occur on any part of the body. They can extend from occurring on the outer layer of the skin to the inner layer of the stomach.

The following are the types of ulcers you should be aware of:

1. Peptic ulcers
These ulcers are the sores and wounds which develop on the inner lining of the stomach, the upper portion of the small intestine, or the esophagus. They are formed by the digestive juices when they damage the walls of the intestine. However, the ulcers are caused due to inflammation by a bacterium called helicobacter pylori. Usage of painkillers for a long time can also lead to these ulcers.

2. Arterial insufficiency ulcers
These ulcers are also known as ischemic ulcers. They occur as open sores on one’s feet, heels, toes, and the outer side of the ankles. When the blood flow to different tissues gets blocked in the arteries, these ulcers are formed. They are slow to heal and need to be taken care of with the help of proper medical treatment. Not doing so could lead to infections among other complications.

3. Venous ulcers
These are the most common type of ulcers to form on the leg. They usually occur below the knee and on the inner area of the ankle. When the blood doesn’t flow to the heart properly, the damage caused to the veins in that area leads to the formation of these ulcers. Usually, the ulcers cause no pain. However, if these ulcers are infected, they could be extremely painful.

4. Mouth ulcers
The small sores and lesions that develop inside the mouth are classified as mouth ulcers. They could also be formed on the base of the gums. These are also known as canker sores. These ulcers usually heal easily and go away in a span of two weeks. While they can cause some discomfort, they don’t tend to be extremely painful. If the ulcers stay for longer than two weeks, it would be advised to get it looked at. These could be caused due to a variety of reasons. Some of them are hormonal changes, food allergies, diseases, bacterial infections, accidental biting on the inside of the cheeks, vitamin deficiencies, and hard teeth brushing.

5. Genital ulcers
Sores which develop on genital areas are known as genital sores. They are formed in areas around the penis, anus, or the vagina. These ulcers usually develop because of sexually transmitted infections. However, these ulcers could also be triggered by allergic reactions to different kinds of products, inflammatory diseases, or trauma.

Most of the ulcers usually disappear without the need for treatment. However, it should be kept in mind that ulcers could be an indication of a more serious, underlying condition. Hence, careful monitoring is important.