Xanthelasma and Xanthoma

• Illustrations
• Alternative names
• Definition
• Causes, incidence, and risk factors
• Symptoms
• Signs and tests

• Treatment
• Expectations (prognosis)
• Complications
• Calling your health care provider
• Prevention

Alternative names    Return to top

Definition    Return to top

Xanthelasma and xanthoma are skin conditions where fat is deposited under the surface of the skin.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors    Return to top

Xanthomas are common skin disorders, particularly among older adults and persons with elevated blood lipids (fat levels).

Xanthomas are deposits of fatty materials under the surface of the skin ranging in size from very small to more than 3 inches in diameter. They may be a symptom of metabolic disorders that are linked with an increase in blood lipids. Such conditions include diabetes, primary biliary cirrhosis, some types of cancer, and inherited metabolic disordersВ such asВ  familial hypercholesterolemia. TheyВ may appear anywhere on the body,В most commonly on the elbows, joints, tendons, knees, hands, feet, or buttocks.

Xanthelasma palpebra is a common type of xanthoma that appears on the eyelids.

Symptoms    Return to top

• Skin lesion or bumps under the skin (nodules)
  • Flat surface
  • Soft to the touch
  • Yellow color
  • Sharply defined margins (sharp, distinct borders)

Signs and tests    Return to top

The diagnosis is primarily on how the skin growth looks, especially if there is a history of an underlying disorder. A biopsy of the growth will show a fatty deposit.

Treatment    Return to top

The goal of treatment is to control underlying disorders to reduce the development of xanthelasmas and xanthomas. The growths can be surgically removed if they become bothersome, but they may reappear.

Expectations (prognosis)    Return to top

Xanthelasmas and xanthomas are painless and benign. They may indicate underlying disorders. They may be cosmetically disfiguring.

Complications    Return to top

Psychological distress from cosmetic changes is the main complication.

Calling your health care provider    Return to top

Call your health care provider if xanthomas develop. They may indicate an underlying disorder that needs treatment.

Prevention    Return to top

Control of blood lipids, including triglycerides and cholesterol levels, may help to reduce development of xanthelasmas and xanthomas. Control of underlying disorders will help reduce development.