Scurvy is a disease caused by a severe lack of vitamin C in the diet. Symptoms of scurvy may start to develop after a few months of not getting enough vitamin C in the diet. The first symptoms may include general weakness, fatigue, irritability, and joint pain. If left untreated, more severe symptoms may start to develop, including:

• Anemia
• Swollen, bleeding gums that may become purple and spongy
• Loosened teeth that may fall out

Other symptoms of scurvy may include:

• Bleeding under the skin (skin hemorrhages)
• Easily bruised skin
• Rough, scaly skin
• Swollen legs
• Opening of previously healed wounds and new wounds that don’t heal
• Dry, brittle hair that coils like a corkscrew
• Red or blue spots on the skin, usually on the shins
• Bumps around the hair follicles
• Bruising easily
• Lethargy
• Body aches
• Swelling

In infants and children, symptoms of scurvy may include irritability, pain when they move, no appetite, failure to gain weight, and anemia. If you think you may have scurvy or are showing signs of scurvy, you should talk to your doctor. Scurvy is easily treatable by consuming more vitamin C, and with immediate treatment, the symptoms of scurvy should start to pass within 24 to 48 hours.