Xanthelasma is a condition where lipids, especially cholesterol, build up under the skin. The result is a characteristic eruption of white to yellow nodules or disc-shaped mars on the skin. Xanthelasmata are removable, using a variety of dermatology treatments, but they are a cause of concern, as they can indicate elevated levels of lipids in the bloodstream. This can suggest that the patient is at risk of heart disease and other conditions which are related to elevated blood lipid levels.

One very common form of xanthelasma is xanthelasma palpebrarum, which appears around or on the eyelids. Many people find this form of the condition particularly embarrassing and disfiguring, since it is so readily visible to observers. People can also develop xanthelasma on other parts of their body as well, however, and they should be checked for now and then, along with other changes to the skin which can indicate health problems.

There appears to be a genetic component to xanthelasma, which is more common among Asians and people of Mediterranean extraction. This condition is probably genetically linked because high bloop lipid levels can have a genetic component; if you are predisposed to higher levels of cholesterol and other lipids in your blood, you may run an increased risk of developing xanthelasma. The xanthelasmata themselves are generally harmless, although sometimes irritating.

Common methods of removal include the use of electrocautery devices or chemocautery tools, along with things like liquid nitrogen, which freeze the xanthelasma off. It is also possible to use lasers, chemical peels, and surgical excision techniques to remove a xanthelasma. However, patients should be aware that recurrence is common, especially if the underlying high lipid level which causes the xanthelasma is not addressed.

If you notice a xanthelasma on your body, you can talk to a dermatologist about removing it; if you have xanthelasma palpebrarum, the dermatologist may send you to a specialist who is comfortable with working around your eyes. However, you may also want to talk to a general practitioner about the xanthelasma, to discuss testing for elevated blood lipids, along with ways to control such elevations, if they exist. Diet and exercise have been shown to be very helpful, and some individuals with genetic predispositions can also consider medications.