Scurvy is a condition due to chronic ascorbic acid deficiency responsible for vascular fragility and impaired bone formation. The result is gingival bleeding, petechial lesions and articular and bone pain or limb swelling. Children may also present with irritability, limping or refusal to walk. Because of these symptoms it can be misdiagnosed with osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, bone and soft tissue tumour, leukaemia, bleeding disorders and other rheumatologic conditions. In highly developed countries it is rare, but should be suspected in children with underlying chronic condition characterized by selective eating as in developmental delay or autism spectrum disorders. The paper presents an emblematic case.