MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Scurvy

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Scurvy

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative Names	Definition

Illustrations

Scurvy, periungual hemorrhage

Scurvy, corkscrew hair

Scurvy corkscrew hairs

Alternative Names Return to top

Vitamin C deficiency; Deficiency - vitamin C; Scorbutus

Definition Return to top

Scurvy is a condition characterized by general weakness, anemia, gum disease (gingivitis), and skin hemorrhages resulting from a lack of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in the diet. Scurvy is now most frequently seen in older, malnourished adults, and is rare in the United States.

Update Date: 1/18/2007

Updated by: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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