Definition
Scurvy is a disease that occurs when you have a severe lack of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in your diet. It causes general weakness, anemia, gum disease, and skin hemorrhages.
Scurvy is rare in the United States. It is most frequently seen in older, malnourished adults.
Alternative Names
Vitamin C deficiency; Deficiency – vitamin C; Scorbutus
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Symptoms
Signs and tests
Treatment
Support Groups
Expectations (prognosis)
Complications
Calling your health care provider
Prevention
References
Kumar V, Abbas AK, Fausto N, Aster JC. Environmental and nutritional diseases. In: Kumar V, Abbas AK, Fausto N, Aster JC, eds. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2009:chap 9.
Coller BS, Schneiderman PI. Clinical evaluation of hemorrhagic disorders: The bleeding history and differential diagnosis of purpura. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Shattil SS, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2008:chap 9.