Scurvy

Scurvy is a nutritional deficiency disorder caused by a severe, prolonged lack of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), and it causes general weakness, anaemia, gum disease, poor wound healing and bleeding into the skin. It is rare in settings where diet is adequate, but older adults with poor nutrition, babies and children with limited diets, and refugees dependent on food aid are among those affected. Risk rises with a diet lacking fresh fruit and vegetables, minimal food intake from illness, chemotherapy or an eating disorder, smoking, long-term alcohol or drug dependency, and pregnancy or breastfeeding with a poor diet. Common features are tiredness, weakness, irritability, muscle and joint pain, swollen bleeding gums, easy bruising, red or blue skin spots and wounds that reopen. Untreated scurvy can be fatal, but treatment restores vitamin C through diet, with supplements sometimes added, and most people improve within days and recover fully.

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms that come on suddenly, for difficulty breathing, or for drowsiness or confusion. See a doctor when symptoms persist, keep coming back, or affect daily life. Call the local emergency number for any symptom that is sudden and severe. This page is a reference for healthcare professionals and does not replace an assessment.