Although ulcers are quite frequent, they can nonetheless lead to discomfort, illness, and even early death. An ulcer is a surface erosion on any part of the body, including the skin and the mucous membranes that surround hollow organs. The term is typically used to describe peptic ulcers, in which case the crater-like lesions appear in the duodenum or stomach (first part of the small intestine). However, ulcers can develop everywhere in the GI system, from the mouth to the anus.

Most of the time, ulcers are not too serious and may be treated at home using easy methods.