What clinical characteristic is typical for scurvy, related to vitamin C deficiency?

Scurvy is a disease resulting from a deficiency in vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid. One of the hallmark clinical characteristics of scurvy is the presence of petechiae and bleeding gums. Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen, which provides structural support to blood vessels and connective tissues. Without adequate vitamin C, collagen synthesis is impaired, leading to weakened blood vessels that are prone to rupture, manifesting as petechiae—small, pinpoint hemorrhages on the skin. Additionally, the integrity of gum tissue is compromised, resulting in bleeding gums, a common and characteristic sign of scurvy. This combination of symptoms—petechiae and bleeding gums—clearly differentiates scurvy from other conditions and highlights the critical role of vitamin C in maintaining vascular and connective tissue health.