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.
Ulcer - Description.
Ulcers are non-healing wounds that develop on the skin, mucous membranes or eye. Although they have many causes, they are marked by:
Loss of integrity of the area
Secondary infection of the site by bacteria, fungus or virus
Generalized weakness of the patient
A ...
The skin is the largest organ of the human body. Classification systems are used to communicate the severity and depth of an ulcer. It is an easy way to communicate changes for the better, or worse.
Ulcer - Merck Manual classification.
Stage 1: The skin is red. The underlying tissue is soft. The redness disappears with minor pressure.
Stage 2: There is redness, swelling and hardening of the skin around the area. Sometimes there is blistering. Sometimes there is loss of the supe ...