What are ulcerations typically characterized by?

Ulcerations are typically characterized by blisters or open-sores because they represent a breakdown of skin or mucous membrane tissue, resulting in an exposed area that can be painful and may take time to heal. These lesions can arise from various factors such as infections, pressure, or systemic diseases leading to tissue damage.

In the context of the options provided, the key characteristic of ulcerations is their open and often raw nature, which distinguishes them from other skin conditions. While swelling and redness, intense itching, or bleeding and discoloration may accompany certain conditions or reactions, they do not define ulcerations specifically. It is the presence of those open wounds or sores that is central to identifying them as ulcers.