how long do ulcers last

Ulcers can last anywhere from about 1–2 weeks for simple mouth ulcers to 1–3 months or more for stomach (peptic) ulcers, and some larger or complicated ulcers may take even longer to fully heal. How long yours lasts depends on the type of ulcer, its size, the cause, and how quickly you get the right treatment.

What “ulcer” are you asking about?

Different ulcers have different typical healing times:

• Mouth ulcers (canker sores)
  • Minor mouth ulcers are small (about 5 mm or less) and usually heal on their own within 1–2 weeks.

* Larger “major” mouth ulcers can be 10 mm or more and may last 5–10 weeks before fully healing.

* If a mouth ulcer lasts longer than 3 weeks, is very painful, or keeps coming back, a dentist or doctor should check it.

• Stomach / peptic ulcers
  • Uncomplicated stomach ulcers usually heal within about 4–8 weeks once proper treatment starts.

* Bigger or more severe ulcers can take around 12 weeks (3 months) or longer, especially if there are complications like bleeding.

* Symptoms may improve in days to weeks, but the actual ulcer in the stomach lining takes longer to fully close and strengthen.

• Leg and other chronic skin ulcers
  • Ulcers on the legs or feet (for example from vein or artery problems, or pressure sores) often heal much more slowly and can take many weeks to months, especially if blood flow is poor or infection is present.

* These are considered “hard-to-heal” or chronic ulcers and normally need medical wound care and treatment of the underlying circulation problem.

What affects how long an ulcer lasts?

A few key factors change the healing time:

• Cause
  • Stomach ulcers due to H. pylori infection usually need antibiotics plus acid-suppressing medication; if the infection is not cleared, the ulcer may linger or come back.

* Ulcers from common painkillers (like NSAIDs) may improve only after the medication is stopped and the stomach is protected with acid-suppressing drugs.

• Size and depth
  • Smaller, shallow ulcers (like minor mouth ulcers) close faster, often in 1–2 weeks.

* Larger, deeper ulcers take longer and can remain for several weeks to months.

• Treatment and habits
  • Taking ulcer medicines exactly as prescribed and for the full course speeds healing and reduces the chance the ulcer will come back.

* Smoking, heavy alcohol use, and continuing irritating medications can delay healing and keep symptoms going.

• Complications
  • Bleeding, infection, or perforation in a stomach ulcer can slow or prevent healing and may require urgent treatment or even surgery.

* Chronic leg ulcers with poor circulation often need months of specialized care to fully close.

When to worry or see a doctor

Ulcers should never be ignored if they last too long or have “red flag” features:

• Mouth ulcers
  • Lasting more than 3 weeks, getting larger, or repeatedly coming back.
  • Associated with unexplained weight loss, lumps in the neck, or difficulty swallowing.
• Stomach / peptic ulcers – seek urgent care if you notice:
  • Vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

* Black, tar-like stools.

* Sudden, severe, sharp belly pain or a rigid, hard abdomen.

* Feeling very weak, dizzy, or faint.

• Leg / skin ulcers
  • Not improving after several weeks of care.
  • Increasing redness, warmth, pus, or fever (possible infection).

If your ulcer pain has not improved after a couple of weeks of proper treatment, or the sore has not started to shrink over time, a healthcare professional should reassess what is going on.

Quick scoop: typical healing timelines

• Mouth (minor) ulcer: about 1–2 weeks.

• Mouth (major) ulcer: around 5–10 weeks.

• Stomach / peptic ulcer: usually 4–8 weeks , sometimes up to 12 weeks or more with complications.

• Chronic leg / skin ulcers: often many weeks to months , depending on circulation, infection, and wound care.

If you tell what kind of ulcer you have and how long it has been there, more tailored guidance about what to expect and what to do next can be given.