[Scurvy: follicular purpura as a diagnostic sign].
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.
Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital de Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain. Eroe@santpau.es
Esther
E
Roé
Joan
J
Dalmau
Laura
L
Peramiquel
Lluis
L
Puig
Agustín
A
Alomar
D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011693:Purpura / Q000209:etiology; D012614:Scurvy / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*