Xanthelasma
By, Michaela Cisowski
Patient
Definition
- Can range from very small to 3 inches in size
- Most commonly found on the eyelids
- Often symmetrical
- Can be found on all 4 eyelids
- Some spots are flat and others are thicker and raised
How it is Diagnosed
- Physical examination - can reveal yellowish plaque on the upper eyelids.
- Laboratory test - results from tests of cholesterol, triglyceride, and lipoproteins can be found high.
Etiology - Causes or Source
- Over half of the cases are from high cholesterol
- High cholesterol or low cholesterol
- Inherited high cholesterol
- Liver disease which can raise cholesterol levels
- Is most common in people whose families are from Asia or the Mediterranean
Risk Factors
- High blood cholesterol levels
- Diabetes
- Nephrotic syndrome - a disorder that damages the blood vessels in the kidneys
- Hematologic disease that affect the body’s ability to break down substances and to maintain important bodily functions, such as digestion of fats.
- Cancer
- Side effect of certain medications
Symptoms
Xanthelasma typically cause:
- Bumps under the skin
- Skin lesions that:
- Can come in many different shapes
- Can range from very small to 3 inches in size
- Yellow to orange in color
- Have well-defined borders
Treatment
- Surgical excision
- Laser therapy
- Electrocauterization - treatment with an electric needle
- Cryotherapy - Freezing off with intense cold
- Chemical peeling
Cosmetic Removal:
- Dissolve the growth with medication
- Freeze off with intense cold
- Remove with a laser
- Remove off with surgery
- Treat with an electric needle
Side Effects:
- Scars,
- Skin color changes
- Turning out of an eyelid.
- Growths can come back
Prognosis
- The condition alone is harmless.
- The prognosis depends on the association with underlying lipid abnormalities and cardiovascular risk.
- These lesions slowly progress and are permanent. (cosmetic problems)
- Usually won't go away on its own.
- The growths will either stay the same size or get bigger over time.
Lifestyle Impact
- Cosmetically unsightly and socially embarrassing.
- It is difficult to hide - location on the face.
- Negative impact on the quality of life and may have psychosocial impact.
- Diet change to lower cholesterol.
- Can raise a red flag for accelerated atheroslerosis and coronary artery disease.
For More Information Check Out:
This website will bring you to the Toronto Dermatology Center Website that provides information regarding this disorder as well as a walk through of a patient's experience and results from this skin disorder. The information is provided by Dr. Barnkin.
Visit this website:
http://torontodermatologycentre.com/Xanthelasma/Work Cited
TDCvideochannel. "What Is Xanthelasma?" YouTube. YouTube, 03 Sept. 2015. Web. 06 Apr. 2016.
?. What’s Your Diagnosis? ® What Is Responsible for the Skin Lesions on This Patient’s Eyelids? (n.d.): n. pag. Web.
"Xanthelasma and Xanthoma.” Symptoms Conditions 202823. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Apr. 2016.
"Xanthelasma: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and More." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 06 Apr. 2016.
"Xanthelasma or "Cholesterol Deposits"" Xanthelasma. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Apr. 2016.