# Uncommon Scurvy Manifestation: Solitary Skin Lesion in an Alcoholic Case

## TL;DR

This paper reports a rare case of scurvy in an alcoholic patient who presented with a single skin lesion, emphasizing the need for early vitamin C treatment in high-risk groups.

## Contribution

The novelty lies in highlighting scurvy's atypical presentation as a solitary skin lesion in an alcoholic patient.

## Key findings

- A patient with heavy alcohol use developed a solitary skin lesion due to severe vitamin C deficiency.
- High-dose vitamin C replacement therapy led to significant improvement in the patient's condition.
- The case suggests that scurvy can present without typical symptoms in high-risk individuals.

## Abstract

Scurvy, characterized by vitamin C deficiency, typically manifests with various symptoms, most commonly skin lesions. However, the presentation of a solitary skin lesion is considered atypical. An elderly patient with a history of heavy alcohol consumption presented with a small skin lesion that developed rapidly into a solitary open wound without any preceding trauma. Laboratory analysis revealed severe vitamin C deficiency (<5 μmol/L). The patient showed significant improvement following high-dose vitamin C replacement therapy. This case underscores the potential for scurvy to present with a solitary lower body wound devoid of typical symptoms. It highlights the importance of prompt consideration of vitamin C replacement therapy, particularly in high-risk groups such as alcoholics, by healthcare providers.