Xanthelasma means yellow growths on eyelid near the nasal side. They are most commonly flat or slightly inflammation.
They create when deposits of cholesterol (lipid or fat) build up under the skin of eye lid .
Xanthelasma is disease of eyelid skin and they are not harmful, they can be a sign of heart disease.
What are the causes of xanthelasma ?
Some suppose xanthelasma is linked to having high cholesterol situations( fat in blood) passed down from parents.
This is because over to half of those with xanthelasma have high cholesterol. But the other half have normal cholesterol. So, some suppose other causes similar as inflammation lead to xanthelasma.
Who is at risk for xanthelasma ?
Anyone can get xanthelasma. But you are more likely to get it if you have following problem:
• Smoker
• You are overweight
• Have high levels of fat such as cholesterol in your blood
• Have high blood pressure or diabetes
Xanthelasma is also more common in women and those of Asian or Mediterranean descent.
How to xanthelasma diagnosed ?
A eye doctor (Ophthalmologist and Optometrist ) 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 health issue causing your xanthelasma.
How is xanthelasma treated ?
Xanthelasma do not go away on their own. Xanthelasma remain the same size or grow larger.
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 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.
Most common questions asked about xanthelasma
1. What are xanthelasma symptoms ?
Ans : Symptoms of xanthelasma are yellowish-white lumps of fatty material accumulated under the skin on the inner parts of your upper and lower eyelids. The plaques contain lipids, or fats, including cholesterol, and usually appear symmetrically between your eyes and nose.
2. Is xanthelasma dangerous ?
Ans: They aren't harmful, but if you don't like the way they look, your eye doctor can help you get rid of them. Even though it won't hurt you, xanthelasma could be a sign that you're more likely to get heart disease. So don't ignore this skin condition, and get it checked out by your doctor
3. Does xanthelasma come back ?
Ans: It is possible for xanthelasma to return in the same area or another area even after treatment. This is one of the main reasons why we do not advocate surgical removal of the xanthelasma as it can leave a scar and further surgical excisions may end up in excess skin removal.
4. Is xanthelasma genetic ?
Ans: There are various factors that can cause you to have too many lipids in your bloodstream, and in turn develop xanthelasma around your eye. Some causes are genetic, meaning you can't do much to prevent them. Other causes are the result of lifestyle choices or side effects of some medications.
5. Will xanthelasma go away ?
Ans: Once present, xanthelasma does not usually go away on its own. In fact, lesions frequently grow larger and more numerous. Xanthelasma is usually not itchy or tender. Individuals with xanthelasma are usually most concerned with their cosmetic appearance.
6. Can xanthelasma be removed ?
Ans: Surgical excision using a very small blade is typically the first option to remove one of these growths. Recovery is at least four weeks. Chemical cauterization uses chlorinated acetic acids and can remove the deposits without leaving much scarring. Cryotherapy used repeatedly can destroy xanthelasma.
7. Can xanthelasma go away on its own ?
Ans: Once present, xanthelasma does not usually go away on its own. In fact, lesions frequently grow larger and more numerous. Xanthelasma is usually not itchy or tender. Individuals with xanthelasma are usually most concerned with their cosmetic appearance.
8. Can xanthelasma be flat ?
Ans: Ranging in size from 2–30 mm, xanthelasma is flat-surfaced and has distinct borders (well-defined). Once present, xanthelasma does not usually go away on its own. In fact, lesions frequently grow larger and more numerous. Xanthelasma is usually not itchy or tender.
9. Can xanthelasma be cured ?
Ans: Most of the time, xanthelasma is completely harmless, but you may still want to have it removed. There are a number of treatment options available: Cryotherapy: This involves freezing the xanthelasma with liquid nitrogen or another chemical.
10. Why do you get xanthelasma ?
Ans: About half the people with xanthelasma have high cholesterol. You're more likely to get these growths if you have: High LDL ("bad") cholesterol or low HDL ("good") cholesterol.
11. How do you remove xanthelasma ?
Ans: Cryotherapy: This involves freezing the xanthelasma with liquid nitrogen or another chemical.
Laser surgery: One type of laser technique, known as fractional CO2, has been shown to be especially effective.
Traditional surgery: The surgeon will use a knife to remove the xanthelasma.
12. Does xanthelasma itch ?
Ans: Xanthelasma is usually not itchy or tender. Individuals with xanthelasma are usually most concerned with their cosmetic appearance.
13. Who removes xanthelasma ?
Ans: If you notice growths on your eyelids and want them removed, see a dermatologist or an oculoplastics surgeon.
That's an eye doctor who has also specialized in doing plastic surgery on the eye.
14. Why do i have xanthelasma ?
Ans: About half the people with xanthelasma have high cholesterol.
You're more likely to get these growths if you have: High LDL ("bad") cholesterol or low HDL ("good") cholesterol.
15. How to prevent xanthelasma ?
Ans: 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.