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
