Which ulcer type has a full-thickness horn defect with protruding corium?

• A. Simple
• B. Deep
• C. Acute
• D. Clinical

Answer: (D)

Depth of horn loss and exposure of the underlying tissue define the ulcer type. A full-thickness horn defect with the corium protruding means all layers of horn are gone at that spot, exposing the sensitive corium. That level of tissue loss is clearly evident on examination and signals a clinically apparent, severe lesion that requires active management, hence the designation as a clinical ulcer.

A simple ulcer would be shallow with no corium exposure, so it isn’t as extensive. A deep ulcer implies deep tissue involvement but not necessarily exposure of the corium through a full-thickness horn defect. An acute ulcer centers on the timing of onset and inflammatory state rather than this level of horn destruction.