Scurvy (vitamin c deficiency)

1. Scurvy (vitamin C deficiency)
Epidemiology
• Due to insufficient dietary intake (lack of citrus
fruits/vegetables)
• Most commonly seen with alcohol use disorder, substance
use disorder & severe malnutrition
Manifestations
• Cutaneous: petechiae, follicular hemorrhage, bruising, coiled
hairs
• Gingival: bleeding/receding gums & dental caries
• Constitutional: arthralgias, weakness, malaise, depression
• Impaired wound healing
• Vasomotor instability (if severe/prolonged)
Treatment
• Oral/injectable vitamin C resolves most symptoms within
days
• Toxicity (eg, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea) can occur
with excessive supplementation