What Does Vitamin C Deficiency Bruising Look Like? Understanding Scurvy's Distinct Marks

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

Bruising is one of the earliest and most noticeable symptoms of vitamin C deficiency, and it can begin appearing after as little as one to three months of insufficient intake. To an untrained eye, this bruising may look like common injuries, but key visual differences can signal a more serious underlying nutritional issue. This guide explains exactly what does vitamin C deficiency bruising look like and what to watch out for.

Quick Summary

Bruising caused by a vitamin C deficiency results from fragile blood vessels and presents as tiny red pinpricks (petechiae) or larger purple patches (purpura), often on the legs and buttocks. The marks are not typically linked to trauma and may appear alongside other symptoms like fatigue and bleeding gums.

Key Points

Look for Petechiae: These are tiny, pinpoint red or purple dots, especially on the lower legs, which are a hallmark of vitamin C deficiency bruising.
Note Non-traumatic Bruising: Easy and unexplained bruising, ranging from small spots (purpura) to larger patches (ecchymoses), is a key symptom of fragile blood vessels.
Check for Perifollicular Hemorrhages: Small, bright red spots appearing around hair follicles indicate bleeding from weakened capillaries.
Observe Accompanying Symptoms: Vitamin C deficiency-related bruising is often accompanied by other signs of scurvy, including fatigue, bleeding gums, and slow wound healing.
Seek Medical Advice: If you suspect a vitamin C deficiency, a doctor can provide a diagnosis through blood tests and recommend an appropriate course of treatment, including supplementation.

The Role of Vitamin C in Preventing Bruising

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant that is crucial for many bodily functions. A key role of this essential nutrient is the synthesis of collagen, a structural protein necessary for the health and integrity of connective tissues, including those in the walls of your blood vessels.

When the body lacks sufficient vitamin C, collagen production is compromised. This weakens the walls of the capillaries, the body's tiniest blood vessels, making them fragile and prone to rupture. As these weakened vessels break, blood leaks into the surrounding tissues, causing the characteristic bruising and skin hemorrhages associated with scurvy, the disease caused by severe vitamin C deficiency.

What Does Vitamin C Deficiency Bruising Look Like?

The bleeding caused by a lack of vitamin C can manifest in several distinct ways on the skin. Recognizing these different forms is key to identifying the deficiency.

Petechiae: These are tiny, pinpoint red, blue, or purple spots that result from bleeding from the small capillaries. Petechiae are often seen clustered on the lower extremities, such as the legs and ankles, and are a key visual symptom. A notable characteristic of petechiae is that they do not blanch or fade when pressure is applied to them.
Purpura: This refers to larger hemorrhages in the skin, appearing as purple-colored spots or patches that are bigger than petechiae, typically measuring between 4 mm and 1 cm. These non-blanching marks can look like multiple small, bruise-like spots, especially on the legs and feet.
Ecchymoses: These are larger, more generalized areas of bleeding under the skin, which we commonly call bruises. For those with a vitamin C deficiency, ecchymoses can appear without any significant trauma and may be widespread or concentrated in one area. The color can range from reddish-blue to black.
Perifollicular Hemorrhages: This is a particularly tell-tale sign of scurvy, where small, bright red spots appear around the hair follicles. The hair itself may become dry, brittle, and coiled, often described as “corkscrew hairs,” due to abnormal keratin formation.

Comparison: Vitamin C Deficiency Bruising vs. Common Bruising

While most people experience bruising from time to time, bruising caused by vitamin C deficiency has different characteristics. The following table highlights the key differences:


Feature	Vitamin C Deficiency Bruising	Common Traumatic Bruising
Cause	Fragile capillaries due to impaired collagen synthesis.	Impact or injury to the blood vessels.
Onset	Often appears spontaneously or with minimal pressure.	Appears after a clear traumatic event.
Appearance	Petechiae (pinpoint dots), purpura (larger spots), or large ecchymoses. May also include perifollicular hemorrhages.	Single area of discoloration that changes color over time.
Location	Frequently on dependent body parts like the legs, ankles, and buttocks.	At the site of the trauma.
Accompanying Symptoms	Often occurs alongside fatigue, bleeding gums, joint pain, and other signs of scurvy.	Typically an isolated symptom unless there is other trauma.
Resolution	Improves with vitamin C supplementation, often within weeks.	Resolves on its own over a period of days to weeks.

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Bruising is rarely the only sign of a vitamin C deficiency. If you are experiencing easy bruising, look for other symptoms of scurvy, including:

Fatigue and Weakness: These are often the first signs to emerge, along with irritability.
Bleeding Gums: The gums may become swollen, tender, and prone to bleeding easily. In advanced cases, teeth can loosen.
Slow Wound Healing: Since vitamin C is essential for repairing tissues, wounds may heal slowly or even reopen.
Joint and Muscle Pain: Many people with scurvy experience vague aches and pains, particularly in their joints and muscles.
Dry, Rough Skin: The skin can become dry, rough, and scaly.

Treatment and Recovery

Fortunately, vitamin C deficiency and its associated bruising are easily treated by increasing vitamin C intake. Treatment typically involves a combination of dietary adjustments and supplementation. With proper treatment, bruising and other bleeding symptoms can begin to resolve within one to two weeks, though full recovery may take several months. A doctor may recommend a specific daily dosage of vitamin C, which is often higher initially to restore levels.

Rich sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, berries, bell peppers, broccoli, and spinach.

Conclusion

Bruising caused by a vitamin C deficiency, a condition also known as scurvy, is distinct from everyday bruising. The appearance of tiny red-blue dots (petechiae) or larger purple patches (purpura) that aren't caused by significant trauma, especially on the legs, can be a critical warning sign. If these skin manifestations are accompanied by other symptoms like fatigue, weakness, or bleeding gums, a nutritional deficiency should be investigated. Consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment with vitamin C supplementation, which can lead to a quick and complete recovery.

For more in-depth medical information on vitamin C deficiency and its symptoms, consult resources from authoritative health organizations like the National Institutes of Health. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements

Frequently Asked Questions

Bruising in vitamin C deficiency is caused by weakened and fragile blood vessels. Vitamin C is essential for producing collagen, which provides strength and structure to blood vessel walls. When vitamin C levels are low, capillaries can rupture easily, causing blood to leak into the skin.

The small red spots (petechiae) and larger patches (purpura) are typically not painful to the touch. However, the associated joint and muscle pain, a common symptom of scurvy, can cause discomfort.

With proper treatment involving vitamin C supplementation, bruising and other bleeding symptoms typically begin to improve within one to two weeks. A complete recovery, with sustained levels, usually takes about three months.

Petechiae are tiny, pinpoint red or purple spots, generally less than 4 mm in diameter. Purpura are larger areas of bleeding under the skin, measuring between 4 mm and 1 cm.

Yes, it can. Bruising from scurvy can sometimes be mistaken for other bleeding disorders or even abuse due to its easy appearance without apparent cause. This is why observing other symptoms like gum health and fatigue is important.

Individuals with poor dietary intake of fruits and vegetables are most at risk. This includes people who are elderly, have alcoholism, certain psychiatric disorders, or malabsorption issues like inflammatory bowel disease.

No, topical application of vitamin C will not resolve the underlying systemic deficiency. The condition must be treated from the inside by consuming vitamin C orally, either through diet or supplements.