Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
05:26
Examination of Oral Candida Infection in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome Patients
Published on: March 1, 2024
Oral lesions in scurvy
Australian Dental Journal
|February 13, 2002
Summary
Scurvy, a vitamin C deficiency, impairs collagen synthesis, causing vascular issues. Early diagnosis is key, as this easily treatable condition is often overlooked in Western countries.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Biochemistry
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Scurvy is a nutritional deficiency caused by inadequate ascorbic acid (vitamin C) levels.
- Ascorbic acid is crucial for collagen synthesis and overall metabolic health.
- Defective collagen impacts vascular integrity, leading to bleeding and thrombosis-like symptoms.
Observation:
- Scurvy is rare in Western nations due to awareness and food availability.
- Delayed diagnosis can occur when scurvy is not considered in differential diagnoses.
- Oral manifestations can be a primary presenting sign of scurvy.
Findings:
- Low ascorbic acid levels suppress collagen synthesis, resulting in impaired tissue repair.
- Vascular wall weakening mimics other serious conditions, complicating diagnosis.
- A case report highlights scurvy presenting predominantly with oral symptoms.
Implications:
- Healthcare provider education on recognizing scurvy signs is vital, especially where deficiencies are uncommon.
- Prompt diagnosis and high-dose vitamin C treatment are effective.
- Increased awareness can prevent prolonged patient suffering and misdiagnosis.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
01:30Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
01:24Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Sucralfate as Mucosal Protective Agents
In the intricate landscape of the gastric lumen, excessive acid secretion disrupts the natural defense mechanisms, weakening the mucus-bicarbonate barrier. This vulnerability allows pepsin to infiltrate epithelial cells, digesting mucosal proteins and triggering erosion, leading to ulcer formation.
In this scenario, mucosal protective agents like sucralfate play an essential role. Sucralfate, a complex of sulfated sucrose and aluminum hydroxide, demonstrates its usefulness in acidic conditions,...
In this scenario, mucosal protective agents like sucralfate play an essential role. Sucralfate, a complex of sulfated sucrose and aluminum hydroxide, demonstrates its usefulness in acidic conditions,...
01:26Assessment of the Mouth
A thorough mouth assessment, including inspection and palpation of the lips, gums, tongue, tonsils, uvula, and pharynx, is crucial in detecting potential health issues. Diseases ranging from oral cancer to systemic conditions like diabetes could be identified early through careful oral examination. This article provides a detailed guide on conducting a comprehensive mouth assessment.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
01:30Leishmaniasis
Leishmaniasis is a protozoal disease caused by species of the genus Leishmania and transmitted through the bite of infected female sandflies. The parasite exists in two principal morphological forms during its life cycle. A sandfly acquires intracellular amastigotes from an infected reservoir host, such as a dog. Within the sandfly, these forms differentiate into motile, flagellated promastigotes. During a subsequent blood meal, promastigotes are injected into the human host, where they...
01:23Cirrhosis I: Introduction
Cirrhosis is a chronic, irreversible liver disease characterized by the widespread replacement of healthy liver tissue with fibrotic scar tissue and the formation of regenerative nodules.Etiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis results from sustained liver injury that triggers progressive fibrosis and structural remodeling. The underlying causes are diverse, encompassing common and less frequent clinical conditions. Regardless of the origin, all causes lead to chronic inflammation, hepatocyte loss, and...