A disease, now rare in developed countries, caused by inadequate vitamin C intake. Scurvy disturbs the production of collagen, a protein in connective tissue, causing weakness of small blood vessels and poor wound healing. Haemorrhages may occur anywhere in the body, including the brain. In the skin, haemorrhages result in bruising. Bleeding into the gums and loosening of teeth are common. Bleeding into muscles and joints causes pain. Scurvy is treated with large doses of vitamin C. Bleeding stops in 24 hours, healing resumes, and muscle and bone pain quickly disappear.
Scurvy |
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