Perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens in an 18-year-old Aboriginal Canadian patient: case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens (PCAS) is a suppurative process that involves the scalp, eventually resulting in extensive scarring and irreversible alopecia. This condition often presents in males of African American origin.

OBJECTIVE: This article describes the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of an Aboriginal Canadian male suffering from PCAS. A literature review on the etiology, pathology, differential diagnosis, and management is also discussed.

CONCLUSION: Careful analysis of the pathology and clinical presentation can aid in the timely diagnosis and management of this challenging condition. The clinician dealing with patients suffering from PCAS has several treatment options available to help successfully manage patients with straightforward or recalcitrant disease.