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Updated: Jun 29, 2026

Skin Biopsy for Diagnosing Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Published on: June 10, 2025
[Scurvy: follicular purpura as a diagnostic sign]
Esther Roé1, Joan Dalmau, Laura Peramiquel
1Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital de Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain. Eroe@santpau.es
Abstract:
Scurvy is a set of clinical manifestations characterized by general weakness, anemia, gingivitis and cutaneous bleeding, caused by a lack of ascorbic acid in the diet. This pathology is currently a clinical rarity, although it can still be seen in cases of malnutrition associated with alcoholism or with dietary deficiencies, especially in childhood and old age. We present the case of a 45-year-old male who consulted his physician because of lower limb edema with follicular purpura, accompanied by asthenia, polyarthralgia and bleeding gums. After treatment with 1 g/day of vitamin C was initiated, the patient's symptoms quickly improved. The diagnosis of scurvy was based on the patient's clinical symptoms, dietary history and the rapid resolution of the symptoms when vitamin C supplements were initiated.
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