Scurvy disease symptoms and causes
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Causes of Scurvy: Vitamin C Deficiency
Scurvy is caused by a deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), an essential nutrient that the human body cannot produce on its own and must obtain from the diet. The most common cause is a prolonged lack of fresh fruits and vegetables, which are the main sources of vitamin C. Scurvy can develop in people with poor dietary habits, mental or physical disabilities, restrictive diets, or underlying medical conditions such as neuropsychiatric disorders, anorexia nervosa, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and severe food allergies. However, it can also occur in otherwise healthy individuals who have a limited or selective diet, especially children who refuse to try new foods or adults with poor nutrition due to social or economic factors 125689.
Scurvy Disease Symptoms: Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Oral Manifestations
Musculoskeletal Symptoms
Scurvy often presents with bone pain, joint pain (arthralgia), limping, and muscle weakness. In children, it can cause difficulty walking or refusal to walk, and in severe cases, bone deformities and subperiosteal hematomas. These symptoms can mimic other diseases such as infections, autoimmune disorders, or even cancer, making diagnosis challenging 12389.
Skin and Systemic Symptoms
Common skin symptoms include petechiae (small red or purple spots), purpura (larger areas of bleeding under the skin), easy bruising, and a purpuric rash. Fatigue, weakness, and anemia are also frequent, as vitamin C is crucial for collagen synthesis and iron absorption. In advanced cases, scurvy can lead to systemic complications and, if untreated, can be fatal 35710.
Oral and Dental Symptoms
Oral manifestations are classic signs of scurvy and include swollen, spongy, and bleeding gums, as well as loosening of teeth. These symptoms are often the first to appear and may prompt dental evaluation. Dentists should consider systemic causes like scurvy when encountering unexplained gingival bleeding and oral sensitivity 148.
Diagnostic Considerations and Risk Factors
Scurvy is often misdiagnosed due to its rarity and the wide range of symptoms that overlap with other conditions. A thorough dietary history and physical examination are essential for early recognition. Laboratory confirmation is made by measuring low serum vitamin C levels. Imaging studies can reveal characteristic bone changes, especially in children 12389.
Risk factors include poor dietary intake, mental health disorders, physical disabilities, and social or economic challenges that limit access to fresh produce. However, scurvy can also occur in individuals without obvious risk factors, highlighting the importance of considering it in the differential diagnosis of unexplained musculoskeletal, skin, or oral symptoms 2567.
Conclusion
Scurvy is a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency, leading to a range of symptoms including bone and joint pain, skin rashes, easy bruising, anemia, and oral problems like bleeding gums. While rare in developed countries, it can still occur in both at-risk and otherwise healthy individuals with poor dietary habits. Early recognition and vitamin C supplementation lead to rapid recovery, but delayed diagnosis can result in serious complications. Awareness of scurvy’s varied symptoms and causes is essential for timely diagnosis and treatment 12345678+2 MORE.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic