Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA
A common symptom of ulcerative colitis (UC) is ulcers. These painful sores often develop in the digestive tract. While UC mostly affects the colon, the ulcers it causes can also show up in different parts of the body. Understanding why these ulcers develop and how they can be treated is an important part of managing this condition. Here is a breakdown.
What are Ulcers?
Ulcers are open sores or wounds that develop when the lining of an organ or tissue is damaged and erodes. In UC, ulcers typically show up in the colon and rectum. They can, however, appear in other areas, like the mouth and skin.
- Colon and Rectum: The main site for ulcers is in the colon and rectum. Inflammation from UC causes the lining of the colon to weaken, leading to ulcers. These ulcers can bleed, causing blood to appear in the stool, and can lead to other serious complications like holes in the colon.
- Mouth: People with UC might have ulcers in their mouths, such as canker sores. These sores can be painful and may flare up during periods when UC symptoms are worse.
- Skin: While less common, certain skin conditions can occur in people with UC due to the systemic inflammation associated with the disease. One such condition is pyoderma gangrenosum, a rare but serious skin disorder that leads to painful ulcers, typically on the legs. Another rare condition, pyostomatitis vegetans, can cause small pustules or blisters around the mouth and other areas of the skin. Although these skin ulcers are not directly caused by UC in the same way as ulcers in the colon, they are related to the body's overall inflammatory response. Managing the underlying UC is crucial in treating these skin conditions, and specific treatments, such as topical medications or systemic therapies, may be required.
Why Does Ulcerative Colitis Cause Ulcers?
Like most symptoms of UC, ulcers are due to chronic inflammation. The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. In UC, the immune system targets the lining of the colon, causing inflammation. This inflammation weakens the walls of the colon, eating away at the inner lining. As the inflammation continues, the damaged tissue breaks down, forming ulcers. Inflammation in UC starts in the rectum and can spread upward through the colon. The extent of inflammation varies between patients, and areas of the colon may be unaffected or have milder inflammation.
Treatment and Prevention
Managing ulcers caused by UC means treating the underlying inflammation and addressing symptoms directly. The primary goal of UC treatment is to reduce inflammation in the colon, which helps prevent the formation of new ulcers and allows existing ones to heal. Doctors often prescribe medications like 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASA) and corticosteroids. For more severe cases, they might use biologics and immunomodulators to block the body’s inflammatory response.
For mouth ulcers, treatment might include medicinal mouthwashes, multivitamins, or dietary changes. Reducing UC flare-ups can also help prevent mouth ulcers from forming. Skin ulcers may require specific treatments, such as topical medications or treatments for the underlying UC. In some cases, you might need surgery, especially if ulcers in the colon lead to complications like perforation, severe bleeding, or cancer. Surgery usually involves removing the affected part of the colon. Staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding foods that irritate the ulcers can help manage symptoms. For mouth ulcers, avoiding spicy or acidic foods and practicing good oral hygiene can promote healing.
Preventing Ulcers
Preventing ulcers in UC is mainly about managing the disease effectively. Take medications as prescribed and go to regular check-ups with your healthcare provider. Avoid trigger foods, stress, and smoking. These can trigger UC flare-ups, increasing the risk of ulcers. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management can help keep UC under control along with taking prescribed medications. Be sure to stop by PatientsLikeMe for more information!