Scurvy: the almost forgotten disease – a case report

Abstract

Hypovitaminosis C, or scurvy, is thought to be an uncommon condition. Although prevalent in the 19th century, its ease of absorption and availability in a general diet has greatly reduced its incidence. Vitamin C is necessary for a number of physiological processes and deficiency can result in a number of complications including bleeding/bruising, anaemia and gingival hyperplasia. This case report demonstrates a case of hypovitaminosis C presenting to a tertiary hospital related to poor dietary intake in a patient with behavioural medical conditions. Treatment consisted of oral supplementation of vitamin C with almost immediate resolution of presenting symptoms.