Perifollicular Hemorrhage With Corkscrew Hair Due to Scurvy
October 2015
in “
Postgraduate Medical Journal
”
Studysummary This case study illustrates the classic dermatological signs of scurvy in a man with unusual dietary habits, showcasing the importance of recognizing and treating vitamin C deficiency in marginalized populations. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
A 38-year-old Caucasian man with rheumatoid arthritis and schizophrenia developed scurvy due to a restricted diet of rice, beans, corn, carrots, and water, which he adopted after self-diagnosing gluten insensitivity. He presented with a rash, malaise, and fatigue, and physical examination revealed corkscrew and swan neck hair deformities with perifollicular petechiae, particularly on the lower extremities. His L-ascorbic acid level was undetectable, confirming scurvy. This case highlighted the importance of recognizing scurvy's dermatological manifestations, especially in marginalized populations, and demonstrated that it could be effectively treated with vitamin replacement.
