Sore vs. Ulcer — What's the Difference?

A painful or inflamed area on the skin or inside the body.

An open sore that forms on the skin or mucous membrane.

A painful spot often caused by irritation or injury.

A lesion that forms due to inflammation or infection.

To cause distress or annoyance.

An erosion of tissue caused by prolonged irritation.

A wound or abrasion that causes discomfort.

An open wound that does not heal quickly.

An aching feeling or pain in a specific part of the body.

A chronic sore that may worsen without treatment.

Painful to the touch; tender.

An ulcer is a discontinuity or break in a bodily membrane that impedes normal function of the affected organ. According to Robins's pathology, "ulcer is the breach of the continuity of skin, epithelium or mucous membrane caused by sloughing out of inflamed necrotic tissue." Common forms of ulcers recognized in medicine include: Ulcer (dermatology), a discontinuity of the skin or a break in the skin.

Feeling physical pain; hurting

A lesion of the skin or a mucous membrane such as the one lining the stomach or duodenum that is accompanied by formation of pus and necrosis of surrounding tissue, usually resulting from inflammation or ischemia.

Causing misery, sorrow, or distress; grievous

A corrupting condition or influence.

Causing embarrassment or irritation

(pathology) 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.

Full of distress; sorrowful.

(pathology) Peptic ulcer.

(Informal) Angry; offended.

(figurative) Anything that festers and corrupts like an open sore; a vice in character.

An open skin lesion, wound, or ulcer.

A solution of continuity in any of the soft parts of the body, discharging purulent matter, found on a surface, especially one of the natural surfaces of the body, and originating generally in a constitutional disorder; a sore discharging pus. It is distinguished from an abscess, which has its beginning, at least, in the depth of the tissues.

A source of pain, distress, or irritation.

Fig.: Anything that festers and corrupts like an open sore; a vice in character.

To mutilate the legs or feet of (a horse) in order to induce a particular gait in the animal.

To ulcerate.

Sorely.

A circumscribed inflammatory and often suppurating lesion on the skin or an internal mucous surface resulting in necrosis of tissue

Causing pain or discomfort; painfully sensitive.

Sensitive; tender; easily pained, grieved, or vexed; very susceptible of irritation.

Dire; distressing.

(informal) Feeling animosity towards someone; annoyed or angered.

(obsolete) Criminal; wrong; evil.

(archaic) Very, excessively, extremely (of something bad).

Sorely.

An injured, infected, inflamed or diseased patch of skin.

Grief; affliction; trouble; difficulty.

A young hawk or falcon in its first year.

A young buck in its fourth year.

(transitive) To mutilate the legs or feet of (a horse) in order to induce a particular gait.

Reddish brown; sorrel.

Tender to the touch; susceptible of pain from pressure; inflamed; painful; - said of the body or its parts; as, a sore hand.

Fig.: Sensitive; tender; easily pained, grieved, or vexed; very susceptible of irritation.

Severe; afflictive; distressing; as, a sore disease; sore evil or calamity.

Criminal; wrong; evil.

A young hawk or falcon in the first year.

A young buck in the fourth year. See the Note under Buck.

A place in an animal body where the skin and flesh are ruptured or bruised, so as to be tender or painful; a painful or diseased place, such as an ulcer or a boil.

Fig.: Grief; affliction; trouble; difficulty.

In a sore manner; with pain; grievously.

Greatly; violently; deeply.

An open skin infection

Hurting;

Causing misery or pain or distress;

Roused to anger;

Inflamed and painful;

Diabetes, poor circulation, and prolonged pressure are common causes of ulcers.

Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus and appear on the lips or face, while ulcers are typically deeper lesions often caused by infection, injury, or pressure.

It's best to consult a healthcare professional since ulcers can lead to serious complications.

Many ulcers can become chronic if not properly treated or if the underlying cause is not managed.

Mild sores generally heal on their own, but persistent or worsening sores should be evaluated.

Maintaining good hygiene, avoiding prolonged pressure, and managing conditions like diabetes can help.

Stress can exacerbate some ulcers, like peptic ulcers, though it's usually not the sole cause.

Yes, untreated or severe sores can progress into ulcers if not properly cared for.

Some sores, like cold sores, can be contagious due to their viral nature.

Deep tissue damage, persistent pain, and slow healing are common signs of an ulcer.

Sores typically heal within a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on their cause.

Yes, ulcers commonly form on mucous membranes like the stomach lining.

Not all ulcers bleed, but bleeding is a potential complication of some ulcers, especially peptic ulcers.

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and may include imaging or lab tests.

Acidic or spicy foods can irritate some ulcers, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract.