Ulcers – What They Are and How to Treat Them

Ever felt a burning pain in your stomach after a big meal? That could be an ulcer. An ulcer is a sore that forms on the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or even the skin. It happens when the protective layer gets worn down, letting stomach acid or bacteria damage the tissue.

Most people think ulcers only affect the stomach, but there are a few different kinds. Knowing which one you have helps you pick the right medicine and avoid the pain that keeps you up at night.

Common Types of Ulcers

Gastric ulcer – This one sits in the stomach itself. It often causes a gnawing pain that gets worse when the stomach is empty.

Duodenal ulcer – Located in the first part of the small intestine, it usually hurts a few hours after eating, then eases when you eat again.

Peptic ulcer – A catch‑all term that covers both gastric and duodenal ulcers. Doctors use it when they’re not sure which part is affected.

Skin ulcer – Not related to the gut, but still a sore that won’t heal. Common on legs or feet, especially in people with poor circulation.

Most gut ulcers are linked to two main culprits: the bacteria Helicobacter pylori and overuse of non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen. If you’ve been popping pain relievers daily, that could be the reason.

Managing Ulcers with Medicine and Lifestyle

First step: see a doctor. They’ll test for H. pylori and decide if you need antibiotics, a proton‑pump inhibitor (PPI), or both. Common PPIs include omeprazole and pantoprazole – they lower stomach acid so the sore can heal.

If NSAIDs are the problem, switch to acetaminophen for pain, or talk to your doctor about a safer alternative. Even a short break from NSAIDs can give your stomach a chance to recover.

Beyond pills, a few everyday habits help a lot. Eat smaller meals spread throughout the day instead of huge plates. Avoid spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol while you’re healing – they can irritate the lining.

Stress isn’t a direct cause, but it can make symptoms feel worse. Simple stress‑busting tricks like short walks, breathing exercises, or a quick yoga session keep your gut calmer.

Don’t forget to stay hydrated. Water dilutes stomach acid and helps the lining stay moist. Aim for eight glasses a day, and limit sugary drinks that can increase acid production.

If you’re dealing with a skin ulcer, keep the wound clean, change dressings regularly, and watch for signs of infection like redness or pus. A doctor may prescribe a topical antibiotic or recommend a special dressing that promotes healing.

Most ulcers improve within a few weeks once you’re on the right meds and have tweaked your diet. If pain persists after four weeks, go back to your doctor – it might need a different treatment plan.

Bottom line: ulcers are common, treatable, and usually not a sign of something serious if you act quickly. Identify the type, get tested, follow the medication guide, and make a few lifestyle tweaks. You’ll be back to feeling normal without that gnawing ache in no time.