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Scurvy, periungual hemorrhage
Scurvy, periungual hemorrhage


Scurvy, corkscrew hair
Scurvy, corkscrew hair


Scurvy corkscrew hairs
Scurvy corkscrew hairs


Scurvy

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:



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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.




Review Date: 1/31/2011
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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