About this topic
Scurvy happens when there is a severe lack of vitamin C in your diet. Vitamin C helps to form a kind of protein called collagen. This protein is in your bones and cartilage. It is also in your muscles, tendons, and ligaments. There is collagen in your skin and blood vessels as well. If you do not have enough vitamin C, the collagen in these tissues may start to break down. ‚
What are the causes?
Lack of vitamin C in the diet ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
Most people take in enough vitamin C in their diet to prevent this illness. You are more likely to have scurvy if you: ‚
- Are older and not eating the right amount of fruits and vegetables
- Abuse drugs or alcohol or are a smoker
- Have an eating disorder or are on a fad diet or diet that limits vitamin C
- Do not have a place to live
- Have a severe mental disorder such as schizophrenia or low mood
- Are on chemo
- Have bowel problems like Crohns disease or ulcerative colitis
What are the main signs?
Early signs of scurvy are: ‚
- Muscle and joint pain
- Weakness
- Being tired
- Not feeling well
- Upset stomach and loose stools
- Fever
- Red dots on skin, often happens on the shins
Later signs of scurvy are: ‚
- Mouth problems like swollen gums that bleed easily. Teeth may fall out.
- Bleeding into the joints and muscles. You may have bruising and joint pain
- Dry, scaly skin. Wounds do not heal well. Old scars may open up.
- Very bad shortness of breath
- Not feeling hungry and loss of weight
- Eye bulging and eyesight problems
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
The doctor will do an exam and take your history. The doctor will ask you questions about the foods you eat. You may need to have lab tests or x-rays. ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
The doctor will have you add vitamin C to your diet. Your pain may start to get better within a few days. Most often, you will start to feel much better within 2 weeks. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help bring up your vitamin C levels
- Help with pain and swelling
What changes to diet are needed?
Eat foods that are rich in vitamin C. These are: ‚
- Fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, black currants, kiwis, or strawberries
- Vegetables like tomatoes, broccoli, asparagus, green peppers, cabbage, spinach, sprouts, or sweet potatoes
- Other foods like fresh milk, liver, kidney, fish, and cereals fortified with vitamin C
What problems could happen?
- Slow growth in babies and children
- Joints are sore and swollen
- Problems with bruising, bleeding, and low blood counts
- Wounds do not heal well
- Loss of teeth
- Bulging eyes or problems seeing
- Problems fighting infections
- Heart attack
- Death
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Eat foods that are rich in vitamin C.
- Avoid smoking.
- Avoid excess use of alcohol.
- Avoid illegal drug use.
Helpful tips
Raw fruits and vegetables are the best sources of vitamin C. When you cook or steam them, they may have less vitamin C. ‚
Where can I learn more?
National Health Service ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scurvy/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Better Health Channel ‚
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Scurvy ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚