Steatocystoma multiplex
Steatocystoma multiplex
Steatocystoma multiplex is a benign skin condition that causes many cysts to grow on the body. It is usually inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning one affected parent can pass it to children. It can also occur for no family reason. Both men and women can be affected.
Most cysts appear around puberty, likely due to hormones affecting the skin’s oil glands. Cysts commonly show up on the chest, but they can also appear on the abdomen, upper arms, armpits, face, or elsewhere. Some people have cysts all over the body. They are usually small (about 2–20 mm) but can be larger. They are soft to firm, semi-translucent bumps filled with an oily yellow fluid. Some have a tiny opening and may contain hair.
Cysts can flare up, become inflamed, and scar like acne. Inflamed cysts can be very painful and may grow to several centimeters. The skin around them may be red and tender, making movement or daily activities uncomfortable.
Cause and types: Steatocystomas are thought to form from abnormal lining of the channel to the oil glands (sebaceous duct). The condition has been linked to defects in the Keratin 17 gene. It can be localized, generalized, facial, acral (hands/feet), or suppurative (pus-filled).
Diagnosis: A doctor uses medical history, examination of the cysts, and sometimes tests to diagnose.
Treatment: Cysts can be removed by surgery. Traditional removal can be difficult, so doctors may use small incisions to extract each cyst, or remove them with laser, electrosurgery, or cryotherapy. If a cyst is attached to deeper skin, a biopsy may be needed. Inflammation can be treated with oral antibiotics. Isotretinoin is not curative but may shrink cysts and reduce inflammation for a time.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 09:26 (CET).