alpine scurvy

Alpine scurvy
    n 1: a disease caused by deficiency of niacin or tryptophan (or
         by a defect in the metabolic conversion of tryptophan to
         niacin); characterized by gastrointestinal disturbances and
         erythema and nervous or mental disorders; may be caused by
         malnutrition or alcoholism or other nutritional impairments
         [syn: {pellagra}, {Alpine scurvy}, {mal de la rosa}, {mal
         rosso}, {maidism}, {mayidism}, {Saint Ignatius' itch}]
    

Pellagra \Pel"la*gra\ (p[e^]l"l[.a]*gr[.a]), n. [It. pelle skin
   + agro rough.] (Med.)
   An affection of the skin, characterized by redness,
   especially in exposed areas, scaling and shedding of the
   skin, and accompanied with severe gastrointestinal
   disturbance and nervous symptoms. It is due to a deficiency
   of niacin (vitamin B3; nicotinic acid) and protein in the
   diet, and may be caused by malnutrition, or, in some cases,
   by a heavy dependence on maize for food. It was at one time
   (ca. 1890) endemic in Northern Italy, and was called {Alpine
   scurvy}. It may also be caused by alcoholism or diease
   causing an impairment of nutrition. It is also called {St.
   Ignatius's itch}, {maidism}, {mal de la rosa}, {mal rosso},
   and {psychoneurosis maidica}. A variety of pellagra seen in
   children is called {infantile pellagra} or {kwashiorkor}.
   --[Stedman]
   [1913 Webster +PJC]