Scurvy: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

When to see a doctor for Scurvy?

Seek medical help if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above. Depending on the cause of your scurvy in the first place, your doctor might also advise you to consult a specialist for treatment, advice, or support. They may also test for other vitamin deficits. In order to prevent a relapse, you'll want to ensure that the root problem has been addressed.

Scurvy Risk Factors

Babies, kids, and elderly people who don't get enough vitamin C in their diets are most frequently affected by scurvy. The following are risk factors for developing the condition:

• Not being able to access fresh produce
• Eating very little because of an eating disorder (such as anorexia) or medical procedures that make you feel ill, such as chemotherapy
• Smoking, which limits how much vitamin C your body can absorb from diet
• Having a diet-related drug or alcohol addiction
• Bad dietary habits during pregnancy or when nursing
• Restriction of one's diet or food sensitivities
• Several other illnesses, including type 1 diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease.

Scurvy Diagnosis

Scurvy might be identified by your doctor depending on your symptoms. They'll examine you physically and determine your risk for the ailment depending on a few criteria.

To assess the level of vitamin C in your blood, your doctor may ask for a blood test. They might also carry out a procedure known as a dermoscopy. In this operation, a biopsy of the skin or hair that is affected will be taken and examined under a microscope.

Scurvy Treatment

Treatment for scurvy is necessary to prevent future problems. By ingesting additional vitamin C, the disease is easily cured. A balanced diet that includes one to two times the daily recommended quantity of vitamin C is something you should attempt to maintain. You can achieve this by including fresh produce in each meal.

Until you feel better, your doctor may also advise taking a vitamin C supplement. Children who have scurvy can take a supplement daily in doses up to 300 mg. Adults may consume 500 mg to 1000 mg.

Scurvy Complications

If untreated, scurvy could lead to more serious symptoms. They may consist of the following:

• Anemia
• Gums that are swollen, bleeding, and may even turn purple and spongy
• Teeth that are loose and could fall out
• Having internal bleeding (skin hemorrhages)
• Bruised skin is easily
• Scaly, rough skin
• Enlarged legs
• Opening of new, non-healing wounds as well as already healed ones
• Hair that coils up like a corkscrew is dry and brittle