Types of ulcer

Ulcers can be divided into arbitrary groups on the basis of clinical presentation and aetiology:

• peptic ulcer
• ischaemic ulcers e.g. decubitus ulcers
• gravitational ulcer
• infective ulcers:
  • primary e.g. viral, tuberculosis, spirochaetal
  • secondary e.g. due to drainage of deep focus
• traumatic ulcer including secondary stress ulcers
• neuropathic ulcer e.g. in diabetes
• malignant ulcers:
  • skin
  • gastrointestinal tract
• ulcers secondary to systemic disease e.g. pyoderma gangrenosum, ulcerative colitis
• ulcers secondary to dermatological disease
• aphthous ulcers
• iatrogenic ulcers:
  • wound breakdown post-operatively
  • irritant fluid extravasating
• ulcers artefacta