Xanthelasma – SP Medifort Hospital

Xanthelasma Treatment

Xanthelasma Treatment In Trivandrum

Xanthelasma are yellowish, fatty deposits that appear on or around the eyelids. They are usually soft, slightly raised, and harmless but may be a sign of underlying high cholesterol or other lipid disorders. While primarily a cosmetic concern, they can sometimes indicate a risk for heart disease.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of Xanthelasma?

The main symptom of xanthelasma is yellowish plaques on the eyelids, which can vary in size and shape.

Yellowish plaques on the eyelids.
Raised skin lesions.
Cosmetic concern.
Flat or bumpy.
Soft or firm.
Uncomfortable.

What causes Xanthelasma?

Xanthelasma develops due to factors that affect fat metabolism, leading to fatty deposits around the eyelids.

High Cholesterol or Triglycerides: Elevated blood lipid levels can cause fat to accumulate under the skin, forming yellowish plaques.
Genetic Factors: A family history of lipid disorders can increase the likelihood of developing xanthelasma, even if cholesterol levels are moderately high.
Liver or Metabolic Disorders: Conditions that affect the body’s ability to process fats, such as certain liver or metabolic diseases, may contribute to plaque formation.
Age: Xanthelasma is more common in middle-aged and older adults, as lipid metabolism changes with age.

Diagnosis of Xanthelasma

Xanthelasma is usually diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, blood tests, and review of medical history to identify underlying causes.

Physical Examination: Ophthalmologists visually inspect the eyelids to identify the yellowish plaques, their size, shape, and location, which are usually sufficient for diagnosis.
Blood Tests: A lipid profile test measures cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, helping to determine if elevated blood fats are contributing to xanthelasma formation.
Medical History: Doctors review the patient’s family history and any metabolic or liver disorders, as these conditions can increase the risk of developing xanthelasma and guide further management.

What are the Xanthelasma risk factors?

Certain health conditions, family history, and age can increase the likelihood of developing xanthelasma.

High Cholesterol or Triglycerides: Elevated levels of cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood promote fat deposits under the skin, leading to the formation of xanthelasma.
Family History of Lipid Disorders: Individuals with a genetic predisposition to lipid imbalances are at higher risk, even if their current cholesterol levels are moderately elevated.
Diabetes or Metabolic Syndrome: Conditions that affect blood sugar and fat metabolism can increase the likelihood of developing fatty deposits in the skin.
Older Age: Xanthelasma is more common in middle-aged and older adults, as changes in metabolism and fat processing with age make the skin more susceptible.

What treatment options are available for Xanthelasma?

Effective management of xanthelasma involves controlling underlying cholesterol levels, removing visible plaques if needed, and preventing recurrence.

Lifestyle Changes: Adopting a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and proper cholesterol management can reduce the accumulation of fats in the blood, lowering the risk of new xanthelasma forming.

Medications: Cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as statins, help manage high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, addressing the root cause of plaque formation. However, these medications do not remove existing deposits.

Surgical or Cosmetic Procedures: Visible plaques can be removed through surgical excision, laser therapy, or chemical peels, which improve eyelid appearance and can restore confidence. These methods are primarily cosmetic.

Regular Monitoring: Routine check-ups and blood tests allow for ongoing monitoring of cholesterol levels, help detect new plaque formation early, and support long-term prevention of recurrence.