What Does a Person with Scurvy Look Like? Recognizing the Physical Signs

October 14, 2025 •

4 min read

Scurvy is a rare but serious condition caused by a prolonged and severe deficiency of vitamin C in the diet. The consequences of this deficiency are most clearly visible in the skin, hair, and gums, directly answering the question: what does a person with scurvy look like? These symptoms occur due to impaired collagen synthesis, a vital function of vitamin C.

Quick Summary

An individual with scurvy exhibits distinctive physical signs stemming from a severe lack of vitamin C, most notably widespread bruising, swollen and bleeding gums, and dry, coiled hair that breaks easily. This visual evidence progresses as the condition worsens.

Key Points

Bleeding Gums: Swollen, spongy, and purplish gums that bleed easily are classic signs of scurvy.
Easy Bruising: A person with scurvy develops large, discolored bruises (ecchymoses) with minimal trauma due to weakened blood vessels.
Corkscrew Hairs: A very specific symptom is dry, brittle hair that becomes coiled or twisted like a corkscrew.
Petechiae: Tiny, pinpoint red or blue spots appear under the skin, especially on the legs and feet, indicating capillary fragility.
Weakness and Fatigue: Persistent, unexplained exhaustion is a common early symptom of the condition.
Poor Wound Healing: The body's inability to produce proper collagen leads to slow wound healing and the reopening of old wounds.
Joint Pain and Swelling: Painful joints and swollen legs can occur as the deficiency progresses.

Early Warning Signs: Fatigue and Irritability

Before the more dramatic physical symptoms appear, a person with scurvy will often experience non-specific early signs that can easily be mistaken for other conditions. These early indicators include persistent fatigue, general weakness, and a profound lack of energy. The individual may also become unusually irritable or lethargic, along with experiencing aching pain in the legs, joints, and muscles. This stage can last for one to three months before more definitive visible changes occur.

The Signature Skin Manifestations

As the vitamin C deficiency deepens, the body's connective tissues begin to break down, leading to a host of unmistakable skin problems. The visual presentation on the skin is one of the most recognizable aspects of scurvy. Key signs include:

Petechiae: These are small, pinpoint red or blue spots that result from bleeding under the skin due to fragile blood vessels. They are most commonly found on the legs and feet, where gravity places the most pressure on capillaries.
Easy Bruising: The skin of a person with scurvy bruises with minimal or no trauma. These bruises, known as ecchymoses, are large areas of reddish-blue to black discoloration that can appear anywhere on the body.
Perifollicular Hemorrhage: Bleeding occurs around the hair follicles, creating bruise-like raised bumps. These are often found on the shins.
Poor Wound Healing: Previously healed wounds may reopen, and new cuts or injuries will not heal properly. The skin may also appear rough, dry, and scaly.

Oral Health Collapse: Gums and Teeth

The oral cavity provides some of the most classic signs of scurvy. Healthy gums depend on collagen for their integrity, and without it, they become fragile and diseased.

The gums become swollen, spongy, and purplish in color.
They bleed very easily, even with minimal pressure from brushing.
Teeth may become loose, and in severe, untreated cases, may fall out.
Gingivitis, an infection of the gums, is also common due to the weakened tissue.

The Unmistakable 'Corkscrew Hairs'

Another highly diagnostic sign of scurvy is the development of hair that is dry, brittle, and coiled. The hairs twist and bend like a corkscrew before breaking off at or near the skin's surface. This unusual symptom is a direct result of impaired hair growth and structure caused by the vitamin C deficiency.

Beyond the Surface: Systemic Effects

The visual cues of scurvy are often accompanied by other systemic issues that affect the entire body.

Joint and Leg Swelling: Joints can become tender, swollen, and painful. This is sometimes accompanied by subperiosteal hemorrhage, or bleeding beneath the membrane covering the bones.
Anemia: A person with scurvy may appear pale due to anemia, which can result from bleeding and impaired iron absorption.
Generalized Malaise: In advanced stages, symptoms can progress to severe jaundice, fever, neuropathy, and convulsions. Infants with scurvy may be especially irritable and assume a characteristic 'frog-leg' posture due to pain.

Comparison Table: Early vs. Late-Stage Scurvy


Symptom Category	Early-Stage Scurvy (Weeks 1-12)	Late-Stage Scurvy (Months 3+)
Energy & Mood	Fatigue, weakness, irritability	Severe lethargy, depression, confusion
Skin Appearance	No visible signs, or mild bruising	Widespread petechiae, large ecchymoses, scaly skin
Hair	Normal appearance	Dry, brittle, distinctive 'corkscrew' hairs
Oral Health	Mild discomfort	Swollen, purple, bleeding gums; loose teeth
Musculoskeletal	Aching legs, muscle and joint pain	Swollen joints, painful hemorrhages under bones
Wound Healing	Slightly reduced rate of healing	Non-healing wounds, previously healed wounds reopen

Diagnosis and Treatment: A Reversible Condition

While the diagnosis of scurvy relies heavily on the physical examination and dietary history, a rapid response to treatment is often the most definitive confirmation. Treatment is straightforward and involves correcting the vitamin C deficiency. In most cases, oral supplements are sufficient. The physical signs reverse remarkably quickly with treatment. Bleeding may stop within 24 hours, and most skin and gum issues heal within weeks. The distinct corkscrew hairs may take a month or more to return to normal growth patterns.

Conclusion

For those wondering what does a person with scurvy look like, the answer lies in a constellation of physical signs primarily affecting the body's connective tissues. From the easy bruising and pinpoint petechiae on the skin to the swollen, bleeding gums and characteristic corkscrew hairs, the visual evidence is distinct and indicative of severe vitamin C deficiency. Recognizing these symptoms and seeking prompt medical treatment is crucial. The good news is that scurvy is highly treatable and its symptoms are largely reversible with increased vitamin C intake, restoring a person's health and appearance.

For more detailed information on vitamin C deficiency, refer to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements Fact Sheet.

Frequently Asked Questions

The very first signs of scurvy are often non-specific and include general weakness, persistent fatigue, and irritability, which are typically felt before more visible physical changes occur.

Yes, scurvy causes several skin problems, including easy and widespread bruising, a rash of tiny red or blue spots called petechiae, and rough, scaly skin.

Scurvy has a significant impact on oral health, causing gums to become swollen, spongy, and prone to bleeding. In advanced stages, it can also lead to teeth loosening and falling out.

'Corkscrew hairs' are a highly specific sign of scurvy where the hair becomes dry, brittle, and coils up like a corkscrew before it breaks off. This is a result of defective hair formation due to the vitamin C deficiency.

No, scurvy is very rare in developed countries like the U.S. or Europe due to the widespread availability of fruits and vegetables. It is typically seen in cases of severe malnutrition or due to restrictive diets.

With proper treatment, symptoms can improve remarkably quickly. Bleeding often stops within 24 hours, while bruising and gum health typically resolve within one to two weeks. Full recovery can take a few months.

Yes, infants can get scurvy, especially if they are fed evaporated or boiled milk without supplementation. Symptoms in babies can include irritability, pain, and a unique 'frog-leg' posture.