Which condition can be painful if ruptured due to inflammatory reaction?

Which condition can be painful if ruptured due to inflammatory reaction?

• A. Verruca
• B. Milia
• C. Steatoma
• D. Acne

Answer: (C)

When a sebaceous cyst (steatoma) ruptures, its oily contents leak into the surrounding skin. The body treats that sebum as an irritant, triggering a strong inflammatory reaction—redness, swelling, tenderness, and often pain. This inflammatory response is why a ruptured steatoma can be painful. Verruca is caused by HPV and isn’t typically painful from rupture because its contents don’t provoke the same inflammatory surge. Milia are tiny keratin-filled cysts that don’t usually inflame when ruptured. Acne involves inflammatory lesions, but the classic painful rupture described here centers on the inflammatory response to released sebum from a sebaceous cyst, making steatoma the best fit.

When a sebaceous cyst (steatoma) ruptures, its oily contents leak into the surrounding skin. The body treats that sebum as an irritant, triggering a strong inflammatory reaction—redness, swelling, tenderness, and often pain. This inflammatory response is why a ruptured steatoma can be painful.

Verruca is caused by HPV and isn’t typically painful from rupture because its contents don’t provoke the same inflammatory surge. Milia are tiny keratin-filled cysts that don’t usually inflame when ruptured. Acne involves inflammatory lesions, but the classic painful rupture described here centers on the inflammatory response to released sebum from a sebaceous cyst, making steatoma the best fit.