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Xanthelasma and Xanthoma Causes and Risks:
Xanthelasmas and xanthomas are common skin disorders, particularly among older adults and persons with elevated blood lipids (fat levels).
Xanthelasmas are small deposits of fatty materials under the surface of the skin. They are not painful. They usually appear in the skin of the eyelids near the nose. They may indicate increased blood cholesterol levels and increased levels of triglycerides .
Xanthomas are also deposits of fatty materials under the surface of the skin ranging in size from very small to more than 3 inches in diameter. They are a symptom of underlying metabolic disorders that are associated with an increase in blood lipids, including diabetes , primary biliary cirrhosis , some types of cancer , and inherited metabolic disorders including familial hypercholesterolemia (inherited tendency to high cholesterol levels). They can appear anywhere on the body, but commonly appear on the elbows, joints, tendons, knees, hands, feet, or buttocks.
Prevention:
control of blood lipids, including triglycerides and cholesterol levels , may help to reduce development of xanthelasmas and xanthomas. Control of underlying disorders will help reduce development.
Symptoms:
- skin lesion or bumps under the skin ( nodules )
- with a flat surface
- soft to the touch
- yellow color
- sharply defined margins (sharp, distinct borders)
Signs and Tests:
The diagnosis is primarily on how the skin growth looks, especially if there is a history of an underlying disorder. A biopsy of the growth will show a fatty deposit.
Treatment:
The goal of treatment is to control underlying disorders to reduce the development of xanthelasmas and xanthomas. The growths can be surgically removed if they become bothersome, but they may reappear.
Prognosis:
Xanthelasmas and xanthomas are painless and benign . They may indicate underlying disorders. They may be cosmetically disfiguring.
Complications:
Psychological distress from cosmetic changes is the main complication.
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if xanthelasma or xanthoma develop (they may indicate an underlying disorder that needs treatment).
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if removal of a xanthelasma or xanthoma is desired, or if there is a change in the appearance of xanthelasma or xanthoma.
Xanthomas are firm, raised waxy-appearing papules (bumps) which may occur on the truck, arms, and legs. The lesions may be skin-colored, pink or even yellow. The presence of this type of skin lesion is associated with abnormal levels of lipids (fats) in the blood.
Xanthomas are lesions on the skin containing cholesterol and fats. They are often associated with inherited disorders of fat and cholesterol (lipid) metabolism.
Xanthomas are lesions on the skin containing cholesterol and fats. They are often associated with inherited disorders of lipid metabolism (inherited problems with the way that fats are broken down and used).
Xanthomas are raised, waxy-appearing, frequently yellowish-colored skin lesions. They may be associated with an underlying lipid (cholesterol/triglyceride) abnormality.
Xanthomas are raised, waxy-appearing, frequently yellowish-colored skin lesions, seen here on the knee. These may be associated with an underlying lipid (cholesterol/triglyceride) abnormality.
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