Ulcers/Vesicles

14.9 Ulcers/Vesicles Sometimes a small sore may develop without any obvious injury on the skin, lips, gums, tongue or vulva. These problems have been covered in other places but will also be mentioned here.

 A vesicle is a small bubble in the skin that is filled with fluid. Vesicles can form as a result of burns, insect bites, allergies, and infectious diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease or Pox.

 An ulcer refers to a hole in the skin which can be shallow or deep. An ulcer may develop after a vesicle bursts (sometimes the vesicle is not noticed). Deep ulcers can become chronic and take a long time to heal. Vesicles on the gums can become ulcers  The main treatment for vesicles and ulcers is to keep them clean to prevent infection. Generally, it is best if ulcers can be kept open so that the air can help them to heal. However, it may be wise to cover an ulcer with a bandage (if possible) in order to prevent infection if the environment is dirty, or if there are many flies.

 If an ulcer becomes infected and has pus, etc., then the ulcer should be treated as an infected wound. See page 219.