Xanthoma
What xanthomas are, how they differ from xanthelasma, and what you can do about them.
Key Takeaways
A xanthoma is a build-up of fat-filled cells in or under the skin, seen as yellow patches, bumps or lumps. When it forms on or around the eyelids it’s called xanthelasma, by far the most common xanthoma of the eye. Xanthomas elsewhere on the body are more often a sign of a cholesterol or triglyceride problem.
- Xanthelasma is a xanthoma on the eyelids, and about half of people with it have normal cholesterol.
- The main body types are tuberous, tendon, eruptive and plane xanthomas.
- Body xanthomas are often linked to a lipid disorder, some of them inherited.
- Eruptive xanthomas can mean very high triglycerides, so see a doctor promptly.
- Treating the underlying cause can help many body xanthomas shrink over time.
- Xanthomas aren’t cancer, but they’re always worth a check-up.
- For patches on or around the eyelids, Xanthel® xanthelasma removal cream is a cosmetic gel made up for your skin.
What Is A Xanthoma? Skin And Eye Xanthomas
A xanthoma is a deposit of fat-filled cells in or under the skin. It shows up as a yellow or orange patch, bump or lump, and it can form almost anywhere: around the eyes, on the elbows and knees, in the tendons or in the creases of the palms. On the eyelids it has its own name, xanthelasma, and it’s by far the most common kind. Here’s how to tell the types apart and what each one means.
