ulcerates

Develops open wounds

Ulcerates is the third-person singular form of the verb ulcerate, meaning to develop or cause an ulcer—an open sore on the skin or internal membrane that resists healing.

When tissue ulcerates, it breaks down and forms a crater-like wound, often from infection, prolonged pressure, or disease.

The untreated wound eventually ulcerates.

Figuratively, something that ulcerates festers or worsens over time, like a grievance that ulcerates into bitter resentment.

wounds

lesion

Area of pathological change

sorePainful or annoyed
abscessLocalized pus collection
blisterFluid-filled skin swelling

pustule · canker · boil · carbuncle · chancre · furuncle · bedsore · pressure sore · crater · open wound

process

erode

Diminish through persistent friction

corrodeDestroy through chemical action
eat awayGradually destroy by erosion
perforateMake holes through

penetrate · breach · burrow · necrose · slough · deteriorate · degrade · break down · disintegrate · wear away

inflammation

inflame

Intensify emotion or irritation

swellIncrease in size
reddenGrow rosy in hue
irritateCause mild anger

infect · aggravate · exacerbate · flare · throb · ache · burn · sting · weep · ooze

pathology

H. pylori

Stomach-dwelling spiral bacterium

NSAIDNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
mucosaMoist organ lining
epitheliumTissue covering body surfaces

perforation · hemorrhage · stenosis · malignant · biopsy · endoscopy

Opposites

tissue integrity

ulceratesheals

Restores to wellness

mends · repairs · regenerates · granulates · restores

wound progression

ulceratesheals

Restores to wellness

resolves · improves · remits · gets better · clears up

Phrases

ulcerative colitisInflammatory bowel condition with sores

Family

ulceration, ulcerative, ulcerate, ulcerated, ulcerating

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