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Scurvy
Vitamin C deficiency; Deficiency - vitamin C; Scorbutus
Scurvy is a disease that occurs when you have a severe lack of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in your diet. Scurvy causes general weakness, anemia , gum disease, and skin hemorrhages .
Anemia
Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. Different type...
Skin hemorrhages
Purpura is purple-colored spots and patches that occur on the skin, and in mucus membranes, including the lining of the mouth.
Scurvy is rare in the United States. Older adults who are not getting proper nutrition are most affected by scurvy.
References
Kumar V, Abbas AK, Aster JC. Environmental and nutritional diseases. In: Kumar V, Abbas AK, Aster JC, eds. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease . 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 9.
Salwen MJ. Vitamins and trace elements. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods . 22nd ed. New York, NY: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 26.
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Scurvy, periungual hemorrhage - illustration
Scurvy is a nutritional disease caused by deficiency of vitamin C. Common symptoms include pinpoint bleeding around hair follicles, along the gums, and under the nails, as seen in this photograph.This disease rarely occurs in the United States.
Scurvy, periungual hemorrhage
illustration
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Scurvy, corkscrew hair - illustration
Scurvy is a nutritional disease caused by deficiency of vitamin C. Pinpoint bleeding around hair follicles, and "corkscrew hairs" as seen in this picture, can occur as a result of scurvy. Bleeding along the gums is common. This disease rarely occurs in the United States.
Scurvy, corkscrew hair
illustration
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Scurvy corkscrew hairs - illustration
"Corkscrew hairs" in hyperkeratotic follicles are pathognomonic of scurvy, or vitamin C deficiency. Petechiae and subungual hemorrhage may also be seen.
Scurvy corkscrew hairs
illustration
-
Scurvy, periungual hemorrhage - illustration
Scurvy is a nutritional disease caused by deficiency of vitamin C. Common symptoms include pinpoint bleeding around hair follicles, along the gums, and under the nails, as seen in this photograph.This disease rarely occurs in the United States.
Scurvy, periungual hemorrhage
illustration
-
Scurvy, corkscrew hair - illustration
Scurvy is a nutritional disease caused by deficiency of vitamin C. Pinpoint bleeding around hair follicles, and "corkscrew hairs" as seen in this picture, can occur as a result of scurvy. Bleeding along the gums is common. This disease rarely occurs in the United States.
Scurvy, corkscrew hair
illustration
-
Scurvy corkscrew hairs - illustration
"Corkscrew hairs" in hyperkeratotic follicles are pathognomonic of scurvy, or vitamin C deficiency. Petechiae and subungual hemorrhage may also be seen.
Scurvy corkscrew hairs
illustration
Review Date: 1/31/2015
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, medical director and director of didactic curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
