Mucocutaneous Manifestations of Scurvy

Resolution of acquired palmoplantar keratoderma and scurvy after treatment of multivitamin deficiencies

“…Instead, the most striking clinical and laboratory findings were related to severe malnutrition, including deficiency of vitamin A, thiamine, folate, vitamin C, and vitamin D. Our patient exhibited many of the classic mucocutaneous findings of scurvy, including perifollicular hemorrhages, corkscrew hairs, ecchymoses, splinter hemorrhages, and gingival hemorrhages, as well as extracutaneous manifestations, including hemarthrosis, anemia, and vasomotor instability (ie, transient low blood pressure). 3 His dry eye syndrome may also be due to severe malnutrition, because both hypovitaminosis A and D are known causes of dry eye syndrome. 4 , 5 Although other etiologies of his PPK were considered, including previously described causes of thyroid dysfunction 1 and Whipple disease, 6 resolution of his PPK after improvement in his overall nutritional status and vitamin repletion is most supportive of a nutritional etiology.…”

The oral manifestations of scurvy in the 21st century

“…After 8 to 12 weeks, the vitamin C deficiency presents some symptoms that vary from poor wound healing, gingival swelling with possible loss of teeth, mucocutaneous petechiae, ecchymosis, and hyperkeratosis organ hemorrhage and rheumatologic findings (Maxfield and Crane, 2020). In a study with monkeys, showed that vitamin deficiency present signals linked to gingivitis -redness, easy bleeding, and inflamed gums (Alvares and Siegel, 1980;Kern and Gardner, 2020). However, it is important to highlight that avitaminosis does not cause periodontal disease (Touyz, 1984).…”