Recognition
- Tender, swollen gums and loosening of teeth (periodontal ligament deterioration)
- Easy bruising and very poor wound healing (fragile vessel walls)
- Unexplained petechiae (small red spots) or ecchymosis (bruising)
- Profound fatigue and weakness (systemic metabolic toll and associated anemia)
- Dry skin and hair. Subcutaneous bleeding
- Muscle aches and joint pains without specific injury history
- At-risk populations: Elderly, homeless, or socially isolated individuals. Those with GI malabsorption. Alcohol use disorder. Eating disorders
- In children: misshapen bones similar to rickets
MT Relevance
- Primary risk is causing bruising and internal bleeding from fragile vascular walls — pressure must be significantly modified. Use light effleurage or holding techniques only
- Skin integrity: Avoid areas with broken skin or open sores. Poor wound healing is a hallmark — any break in skin integrity poses infection risk
- Session duration: Shorter sessions with light pressure until nutritional status is medically stabilized
- Pain management: Gentle, non-intrusive approach for musculoskeletal aches and joint pains
Required Actions
- Refer for medical evaluation if an undiagnosed client presents with unexplained bruising, bleeding gums, petechiae, and poor wound healing
- Do not apply moderate or deep pressure until vitamin C status is corrected and vascular integrity is restored
- Strict hand hygiene — open sores are potential infection portals
Key Takeaways
- Scurvy results from severe vitamin C deficiency, impairing collagen production and making blood vessel walls extremely fragile.
- The primary RMT risk is causing bruising and internal bleeding. Pressure must be significantly modified.
- Open sores are infection portals requiring strict avoidance and hand hygiene.
- Classic signs: tender swollen gums, easy bruising, poor wound healing, petechiae, and ecchymosis.
- Prioritize shorter sessions and light pressure until nutritional status is medically stabilized.