Xanthelasma are yellow growths on or near the eyelids. They can be flat or slightly raised. They form when deposits of cholesterol (lipid or fat) build up under the skin. While xanthelasma themselves are not harmful, they can be a sign of heart disease.
What causes xanthelasma?
Some think xanthelasma is linked to having high cholesterol levels (fat in blood) passed down from parents. This is because up to half of those with xanthelasma have high cholesterol. But the other half have normal cholesterol. So, some think other causes such asinflammation lead to xanthelasma.
A doctor can tell if you have xanthelasma by looking at the skin around your eyes. They may order a test to check the levels of lipids in your blood. This can show if there is a potential health issue causing your xanthelasma.
How is xanthelasma treated?
Xanthelasma do not go away on their own. They tend to stay the same size or grow larger. While they are generally harmless, you may want to remove them for cosmetic reasons. Xanthelasma is treated by removing the deposit with:
extreme cold or freezing surgery (called cryotherapy)
laser surgery
traditional surgery to remove and repair the skin
extreme heat surgery (electric needle)
chemical peels
Most treatments are successful in removing xanthelasma. But there are potential side effects like:
scarring
change in skin color
Also, xanthelasma can return after surgery.
What can I do to prevent xanthelasma?
Take steps to manage your cholesterol with diet, exercise, and in some cases, cholesterol-lowering medication. This can help prevent xanthelasma from coming back—and improve your overall health. Here are some ways to lower your cholesterol:
Avoid saturated fats (like butter, fried food and fatty meats) in your diet.
Exercise every day if you can. Even a brisk walk for 30 minutes is helpful.
Avoid smoking or quit if you can.
Drink less alcohol.
Xanthelasma can be a sign of early heart disease
Xanthelasma may signal that cholesterol is building up in your blood vessels. This blocks blood flow and can lead to a stroke or a heart attack. To lower your risk of heart problems, see your doctor for regular checkups. They can work with you to keep you heart healthy.
A xanthelasma is a harmless yellow bump on or near your eyelid skin. A type of xanthoma, or cholesterol deposit, a xanthelasma can be soft, chalky or semi-solid.
Although xanthelasma palpebrarum is a benign lesion and does not pose significant health risks, this condition may be a cosmetic concern due to its appearance. Xanthomas can be associated with hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and thyroid dysfunction.
The use of chlorinated acetic acids has been found to be effective in the removal of xanthelasma. These agents precipitate and coagulate proteins and dissolve lipids. Monochloroacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) have been used with good results.
Sixty-five patients with xanthelasma have been treated with vitamin B12. Thirty patients were treated with oral drug with poor results. Thirty-five patients were treated by parenteral administration of vitamin B12 with beneficial results in thirty-one.
Syringomas. Syringoma may be confused with xanthelasma (cholesterol deposits on the eyelids), trichoepitheliomas or basal cell skin cancer. The skin biopsy appearance under a microscope is characteristic. There are small ducts with comma-like tails, looking like tadpoles in the skin.
Xanthelasma palpebrarum is the most common cutaneous xanthoma, characterized by yellowish plaques over eyelids – most commonly, over the inner canthus of the upper lid. It is triggered by hyperlipidemia, thyroid dysfunction, and diabetes mellitus.
Dr.Timothy Jochen removes a Xanthelasma on the Upper Eyelids by electrodesiccation. Xanthelasma are yellow patches on or around the eyelids that are made up of cholesterol deposits.
Xanthelasma palpebrarum is the most common cutaneous xanthoma, characterized by yellowish plaques over eyelids – most commonly, over the inner canthus of the upper lid. It is triggered by hyperlipidemia, thyroid dysfunction, and diabetes mellitus.
Xanthoma is a skin condition in which certain fats build up under the surface of the skin. Xanthomas are raised, waxy-appearing, frequently yellowish-colored skin lesions. They may be associated with an underlying lipid (cholesterol/triglyceride) abnormality.
Introduction: My name is Clemencia Bogisich Ret, I am a super, outstanding, graceful, friendly, vast, comfortable, agreeable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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