SCURVY

By:
Eunice M. Narvacan
DDM-1
 What is Scurvy?
 is a condition characterized by
- general weakness
- Anemia
- gum disease (gingivitis)
- and skin hemorrhages
- **resulting from a lack of ascorbic
acid (vitamin C) in the diet
 Scurvy is now most frequently seen in older
& malnourished adults
Most Common Causes of Scurvy

 Inadequate diet
 Scurvy develops when the diet lacks adequate
amounts of vitamin C
 Certain conditions increase the body's demand
for vitamin C increasing the risk of deficiency
 Conditions include pregnancy, breastfeeding,
diarrhea, inflammatory diseases, burns, surgery,
and exposure to intense heat or cold
 Alcoholism
 Scurvy is most often found in alcoholic peoples

 Stress
 Another important cause of scurvy is stress
which increases the utilization of ascorbic acid
Common Signs and Symptoms
 General weakness
 The first signs of the disease are exhaustion and
general weakness
 At the later stages, there is bleeding of the gums,
because the lack of vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
makes the capillaries fragile and their rupture is
common
 Loosening of Teeth
 It is a commonest symptom of scurvy
 If not treated earlier, it may be lead to chronic
condition
 Tiredness
 In the deficiency of vitamin-c, there is a feeling of
tiredness
 Irritability
 Aches and pains
 Due to the deficiency of vitamin-c, there would
be pain in different parts of body
 Weak capillaries
 The blood capillaries become fragile in the
deficiency of vitamin-c.
 Bleeding from old scars
 Internal bleeding occurs in the affected
area of the body
 Fatigue
 Anemia
 Due to the deficiency of ascorbic acid, there will
be shortage of blood in the body.
 Common cold/sore throat
 Heart attack
 Joint pain
 Black-and-blue marks on the skin
 Poor healing of bruises
 Gum disease
 Spongy gums
 Thin hair
 Common Home Remedies for the
Treatment of Scurvy
 Lime and Lemon:
 The use of lime and lemon is highly beneficial in
the prevention and treatment of scurvy. Being
rich sources of vitamin C, lime and lemon are
regarded as foods of exceptional therapeutic
value
 Potato
 Potato is regarded as an excellent food remedy
for scurvy
 Vinegar
 Vinegar is very effective for the treatment of
scurvy.
 Aspirin
 If there is pain in your body due to the deficiency
of ascorbic acid, take 1 tab after meal.
 Tomato
 The presence of vitamin C in tomatoes helps it to
fight diseases like scurvy. By drinking tomato
juice everyday you can see the difference