A 50-year-old male prisoner was hospitalized with petechial rash, ecchymosis and subcutaneous hemorrhage in both lower extremities. He was diagnosed with malnutrition-related scurvy, as evidenced by vitamin C deficiency confirmed by a laboratory test, following the exclusion of other potential causes through a medical history, clinical examination, laboratory tests and a skin biopsy. The patient's clinical symptoms improved dramatically with ascorbic acid treatment. In conclusion, taking a good nutritional history is critical for suspecting and diagnosing vitamin C deficiency in prisoners, as this can have serious consequences.