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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Natasha May

Perth man treated for scurvy as cost-of-living crisis brings back ‘disease of the past’

Legs of 51-year-old patient covered in red-brown pinpoints resembling a rash, which is characteristic of scurvy
A Perth man who presented to hospital with scurvy had stopped taking a prescribed vitamin and mineral supplement as he could not afford them. Photograph: Dr Andrew Dermawan

Doctors have treated a man for scurvy in Perth, warning what was once considered “a disease of the past” is re-emerging due to the rising cost of living.

The condition, caused by severe vitamin C deficiency, was common during the 18th century among sailors who spent months at sea without fresh food. But Australian doctors have described their surprise at seeing it in the present day in an article published on Wednesday in BMJ Case Reports.

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