Abstract
Steatocystoma multiplex (SM) is one of the infrequent forms of keratin disorders characterized by multiple benign sebaceous gland papules and/or nodules, usually located in hair-covered areas where pilosebaceous glands are well developed; however this condition may occur anywhere on the body. Though it is mostly thought to be a hereditary autosomal dominant disease associated to missense mutations of the keratin 17 (K17) gene, many sporadic cases have been reported. This suggests the disease may have a multifactorial etiology. Steatocystoma simplex is the sporadic solitary tumor counterpart to SM and has no hereditary tendency. Diagnosis is mainly clinical, but histopathology is characteristic and aids to confirmation of diagnosis when uncertain. Some of the frequent locations of SM include neck, chest, upper back, proximal extremities, and face, which are also common areas for acne to present. Due to the many similarities of these two conditions, SM should be included in the differential diagnosis when evaluating an acneiform eruption.