[Survey in 2000: 3 cases]

Area of Science:

• Nutrition and Dietetics
• Dermatology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Scurvy remains a rare but present condition in industrialized nations, even in the 21st century.
• Alcoholism and social isolation are significant risk factors for developing scurvy in adults.
• Inadequate intake of vitamin C is the primary dietary risk factor for scurvy.

Observation:

• Three adult patients (51, 50, and 73 years old) presented with scurvy, exhibiting distinct cutaneous manifestations.
• Skin findings included inflammatory edema, petechial hemorrhages, hyperpigmentation, and exacerbation of acne.
• Diagnosis was confirmed by low plasma ascorbic acid levels (< 6 mumol/l).

Findings:

• Dietary surveys revealed insufficient vitamin C intake, with diets lacking fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Patients presented with varied dermatological symptoms, including edema, petechiae, and hyperpigmentation.
• Low plasma ascorbic acid levels confirmed the diagnosis of scurvy.

Implications:

• Recognizing the cutaneous signs of scurvy is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis as vasculitis or connective tissue disease.
• The diagnosis of scurvy can be readily confirmed through plasma ascorbic acid level measurement.
• Treatment with oral ascorbic acid leads to rapid and significant clinical improvement.