Trichoscopy of Twisted Hairs in a Patient with Unilateral Ecchymoses: A Case of Modern-Day Scurvy
June 2026
in “
JAAD Case Reports
”
TLDR Scurvy, caused by vitamin C deficiency, can occur in people with restrictive diets and can be diagnosed by twisted hair shafts.
This case study highlights the reemergence of scurvy, a vitamin C deficiency, in a man in his 20s with autism and a restrictive diet. The patient presented with unilateral ecchymoses, swelling, and twisted hair shafts, which are atypical signs of scurvy. Trichoscopy revealed twisted hair shafts, a less recognized diagnostic feature of scurvy, emphasizing the utility of this method in diagnosing nutritional deficiencies. The patient was treated with vitamin C supplementation, leading to a complete resolution of symptoms. This case underscores the importance of recognizing scurvy as a potential cause of musculoskeletal symptoms and atypical hair abnormalities, particularly in individuals with selective diets.
