The cause of steatocystoma multiplex is genetic. It is thought to be a failure of the sebaceous glands to connect to the surface of the skin.
The gene implicated is called KRT17. This gene is involved in the production of keratin 17, a protein in sebaceous glands.
This gene is inherited in autosomal dominant fashion, which means that only one parent needs to have the gene for the offspring to inherit it. Sometimes, there is no obvious family history in patients with steatocystoma multiplex. It may occur in association with other
genetic syndromes like eruptive vellus hair cysts and pachyonychia congenita.