Steatocystoma Multiplex appear as multiple, uniform, yellow, cystic papules usually 2-6 mm diameter, located especially on upper anterior trunk, upper arms, axillae, and thighs. Typically no central punctum or umbilication is seen. Majority of cases present with dermal lesions, but multiple subcutaneous masses looking like multiple lipomas can be present. Bumps usually appear in adolescence or early adulthood, probably because sebaceous activity is at its peak. Sometimes larger steatocystomas are prone to rupture and suppuration and can cause scarring and pain.
Steatocytomas typically contain a syrup-like, yellowish , odorless, oily material. If they are inflamed or infected by bacteria, they can develop a foul odor and can be a definite source of social isolation.
This is probably the closest thing to a “sebaceous cyst”, a name that many people including non dermatologist physicians may use to describe an epidermoid cyst which we see more commonly. Steatocystoma may at times have vellus hairs, and eruptive vellus hair cysts may have sebaceous glands (oil glands) in their lining, which leads some dermatologists to believe these two conditions may lie along a continuum, that they may be related.
Treatment is removal with small incisions and extraction, with care on treatment on the trunk because of the increased chance of poor cosmetic result/scarring.
Skittle Steatocystomas Session 2
