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Scurvy Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Scurvy disease, also known as Sailor’s disease is caused by deficiency of the nutrient vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid. Vitamin C supplements and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help reverse the condition easily. Here, you will learn about the disease in detail. Read on to know more.

What is Scurvy Disease?

Scurvy is a disease triggered by a severe deficiency of vitamin C or ascorbic acid in the body. The disease is, in fact, a clinical manifestation of the deficiency. A deficiency of vitamin C or ascorbic acid can adversely affect the soft tissues of your body.

Vitamin C plays an important role in maintaining the health of the soft tissues, and a deficiency of this nutrient can impact the growth and repair of soft tissues like bones, cartilage, skin, blood vessels, lymph vessels, muscle tissues, etc.

Types

The scurvy disease may be of two types —

• Infantile Scurvy:

This affects small children and manifests in a range of musculoskeletal symptoms.

• Adult Scurvy:

This affects adults and occurs when there is a deficiency of vitamin C.

Symptoms

Scurvy can manifest through various symptoms. In the initial stages of the disease, scurvy can produce the following symptoms:

• Malaise

• Fatigue

• Lethargy

After the disease reaches an advanced stage, the following symptoms may be experienced:

• Anaemia

• Easy bruising

• Spontaneous bleeding

• Swelling of limbs

• Myalgia or muscle pain

• Bone pain

• Ulceration of gums

• Loss of teeth

• Skin haemorrhage

• Slow wound healing

• Brittle nails and hair

• Skin rashes

• Irritability

Causes

The primary cause of scurvy is a deficiency of vitamin C, one of the vital nutrients needed by our body. Vitamin C comes from fresh fruits and vegetables, and a diet low in these food items can result in scurvy.

Risk Factors

The various risk factors for the disease are:

• Not consuming fresh fruits and vegetables

• Malnutrition

• Chemotherapy drugs

• Anorexia

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, birth control pills, diuretics, and corticosteroids

• Smoking

• Excessive consumption of alcohol

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Diagnosis

• Medical History

Your doctor will first take your medical history to learn about any previous episodes of vitamin C deficiency and the medications you are on.

• Physical Examination

Your doctor will then do a physical examination of the various signs and symptoms of scurvy, such as corkscrew hairs, subperiosteal hematoma, etc.

• Blood Test

Your doctor may advise a blood test to assess the plasma or serum vitamin C levels.

• Other Diagnostic Tests

Imaging tests like X-rays and skin biopsy tests may also be advised to study bone issues, such as fractures or skin issues that might have occurred due to scurvy.

Treatment

The scurvy disease may be treated through a vitamin C-rich diet and supplements.

• Diet

Consume a diet rich in citrus fruits (like lemon, grapefruit, orange, and lime), guavas, cantaloupes, papaya, kiwi, bell peppers, cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, red cabbage, and kale), and potatoes.

• Vitamin C Supplements

Take Vitamin C Supplements to get quick relief from scurvy

FAQs

1. When is complete recovery from scurvy possible?

After the doctor has prescribed vitamin C supplements, an individual may recover only after three months.

2. What are the different names of scurvy disease?

The different names of scurvy disease are:

• Barlow's disease

• Hypoascorbemia

• Cheadle's disease

• Scorbutus

• Moeller's disease

Conclusion

Lack of vitamin C can result in scurvy. Within just a few months of vitamin C deficiency, the symptoms of scurvy may become noticeable. The scurvy disease may affect children and adults who do not get adequate nutrition. Also, aged people are prone to scurvy because of their nutritional deficiencies. Consuming fresh fruits and vegetables and taking vitamin C supplements can reverse scurvy and give you a healthy body.

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Sources: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, medicalnewstoday.com, nhs.uk, clevelandclinic.org

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Kindly contact your doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on March 6, 2025

All About Scurvy Disease