Scurvy in America

Introduction: Vitamin C deficiency, or scurvy, was a historical cause of morbidity in sailors who lacked dietary sources of the vitamin such as fresh fruit. Cutaneous findings include follicular hyperkeratosis, perifollicular hemorrhage, and corkscrew hairs. Systemic findings include gingival bleeding, poor wound healing, and spontaneous hemorrhage. These findings are due to the role of vitamin C in collagen synthesis. Prevalence of deficiency in the United States is estimated to be 7.1%. Known risk factors for deficiency include alcoholism, fad diets, and chronic illness.
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology - Category: Dermatology Source Type: research