Signs & Symptoms Of Scurvy

Scurvy is a disease that occurs when a person is massively deprived of vitamin C. This illness is often caused by malnutrition, mental illness relating to food (such as anorexia), restrictive diets lacking fruits and vegetables, addiction to alcohol or other substances, and old age. While scurvy is an extremely rare condition nowadays, it still plagues certain areas in which resources regarding food and nutrition are scarce. Treatment options include vitamin C supplements via injection or orally, and the dosage is dependent upon the progression and severity of the illness. If treated properly, you can expect improvements in as little a twenty-four-hour period and possible complete recovery within ninety days or so. However, if not treated at all, scurvy can be fatal due to various complications such as infections, bleeding out, or hemorrhaging near the brain or heart. Here are a few distinct signs and symptoms of scurvy.

Loose Teeth

Scurvy is commonly physically characterized by weak, unhealthy teeth. The image is often pictured amongst sailors before it was discovered there was a need for vitamin C to remain healthy and preserve the teeth. An individual with scurvy will often experience severe brittleness and massive decaying of the teeth. Fortunately, this issue can be quickly resolved by regularly consuming foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges. Maintaining a proper amount of vitamin C in your diet is vital as it is used to keep the connective tissues within your gums strong. If these tissues are weakened, it can result in loose teeth or even complete tooth loss.

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Bulging Eyes

The condition and appearance of someone's eyes can usually determine whether they suffer from malnutrition or other serious health conditions. Scurvy is easily identifiable as it can cause an abnormal protrusion of the eyes, also known as proptosis. This is due to the fact bulging eyes frequently represent some sort of vitamin deficiency within the body. Because scurvy carries devastating side effects such as prolonged ocular irritation, intolerance or sensitivity to light, and blurred vision, the eyes can appear oddly colored and look as if they are poking out of their sockets.

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Poor Wound Healing

Vitamin C is involved in every phase of skin healing, especially involving wounds. This is frightening because scurvy is drastically detrimental to the skin as it commonly causes abnormal rashes and poor wound healing. Due to the absence or scarcity of vitamin C, the production of collagen suffers, causing blood capillaries to burst and wounds will either remain opened or heal very slowly. Old scars or wounds already in the healing process may even reopen and begin bleeding again. While ingesting both vitamin C rich foods or taking oral supplements and injections are the most effective, massaging the skin with vitamin C oil may also be of help.

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Lethargy

The mental and emotional state of an individual living with scurvy is often very challenging. One will likely have constant feelings of both extreme fatigue and lethargy. Since scurvy usually affects those who live alone or lead a life of solitude, have an untreated mental disorder, suffer from alcoholism or other drug addictions, or are in a constant battle with self-imposed unhealthy eating habits, depression and the lack of desire to live is a common side effect. A person may also lack the will to live due to the increased health issues such as aching limbs and the overall bodily weakness associated with scurvy.

Keep reading to learn about the symptom of scurvy related to the gums.

Swollen And Spongy Gums

In addition to the poor quality of the teeth, scurvy impacts the mouth in other depressive areas. This illness also causes both swollen and spongy gums accompanied by bleeding and painful ulcers. These acute conditions may cause gums to gradually recede and turn purple. The gums are attacked because vitamin C plays a vital role in collagen synthesis. This process is required to build strong, healthy connective tissues. In the absence of vitamin C, the gums are in a state of detriment. Scurvy can even lead to gum disease such as gingivitis, which can progress periodontitis. This is characterized by the overall inflammation of the gums leading to its deterioration.