Xanthelasma

Xanthelasma, or xanthelasma palpebrarum (XP), is a harmless, yellow growth that appears on or by the corners of your eyelids next to your nose. Cholesterol deposits build up under your skin to form a xanthelasma.

Having xanthelasmas could be a sign of another condition, such as:

• Diabetes.
• Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol).
• Thyroid problems.

Researchers have found that having xanthelasmas means it’s very likely that you’ll have these conditions in the future:

• Heart disease.
• Heart attack.
• Atherosclerosis (even if your cholesterol levels are normal).
• High cholesterol.

Who does xanthelasma affect?

Half of the people with xanthelasmas have high cholesterol levels. Healthcare providers usually see these levels in people with the kind of high cholesterol you get from your parents or some liver diseases.

However, the other 50% of people with xanthelasmas don’t have high cholesterol.

Risk factors for xanthelasma include being assigned female at birth or having:

• Overweight.
• A tobacco product habit.
• High cholesterol.
• Diabetes.
• High blood pressure.
• Family history of high cholesterol or xanthelasma.

You can get xanthelasmas between ages 20 and 70. Most people get them between ages 35 and 55.

How common is xanthelasma?

Xanthelasmas are the most common type of xanthoma (cholesterol deposits) that affect your skin. However, only about 1% of people have xanthelasmas.