What causes the appearance of steatomas on the skin?

The appearance of steatomas, also known as sebaceous cysts, is primarily caused by the blockage of hair follicles. When the sebaceous gland, which is responsible for producing sebum (an oily substance that lubricates the skin), becomes obstructed, the accumulated sebum can form a lump or cyst. This blockage can occur due to various reasons, such as the buildup of dead skin cells, changes in hormones, or even damage to the hair follicle.

In contrast, excessive sweat production does not directly relate to the formation of steatomas, as sweat glands are separate from sebaceous glands. Fungal infections typically present with different symptoms associated with skin irritation or rashes but do not lead to steatoma formation. Similarly, while sun exposure can cause a range of skin issues, it is not a factor in the development of these cysts. Thus, the correct connection is that steatomas arise primarily as a result of blocked hair follicles and the associated malfunctioning of sebaceous glands.