Scurvy
Einstein Health Glossary
ICD 10 - E54
What is scurvy?
Scurvy is a disease caused by a severe and prolonged deficiency of vitamin C in the body, resulting from a lack of consumption of foods containing this nutrient. It is rare nowadays.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of scurvy are bruising, bleeding gums, weakness, fatigue, and skin irritation. These symptoms may take about three months to appear, even with a vitamin C-deficient diet.
Causes
Scurvy is caused by a diet with insufficient levels of vitamin C over a prolonged period.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of scurvy takes into account the person's dietary history, symptoms, and possible tests that measure the amount of vitamin C in the body.
Prevention Method
In general, a diet with adequate levels of vitamin C prevents scurvy. Fruits and vegetables should always be part of daily nutrition.
Tratamento
Scurvy treatment is primarily done with vitamin C supplements, always under professional guidance. It is also important to eat foods rich in this nutrient, such as citrus fruits, potatoes, broccoli, and strawberries.
Duration
Most people with scurvy improve in about two months after starting vitamin C supplementation.
Is it contagious?
Scurvy is not contagious.
Can it be contracted more than once?
Scurvy can reappear if the person resumes consuming few foods with vitamin C over a prolonged period.