John A. Buchan, University of CincinnatiFollow
Bruce H. Gray, Prisma Health Greenville, SCFollow

A Sailor’s Disease Presenting in Urban America with Red Spots on the Legs

Publication Date

5-18-2022

DOI

10.31986issn.2578.3343_vol3iss1.7

First Page

171

Last Page

176

Abstract

Sailors were often affected by nutritional deficiencies due to the absence of fresh foods on long voyages. One example is the development of scurvy from a lack of vitamin C ingestion. In modern society in which fresh food are available this disease is infrequently recognized. The following case describes a 62-year-old male who presented with “red spots” on his legs and a large area of ecchymosis on his thigh. After initial testing failed to elicit a cause, a dietary history revealed that the patient had a peculiar diet of only ice cream with a total avoidance of fruits and vegetables. This case highlights the importance of a good history and physical examination as the basis for medical diagnosis.

Recommended Citation

Buchan, John A. and Gray, Bruce H. (2022) "A Sailor’s Disease Presenting in Urban America with Red Spots on the Legs," Cooper Rowan Medical Journal: Vol. 3: Iss. 1, Article 8.
DOI: 10.31986issn.2578.3343_vol3iss1.7
Available at: https://rdw.rowan.edu/crjcsm/vol3/iss1/8