Xanthomas are small yellow bumps caused by an accumulation of fat near the skin’s surface. They can be indicative of an underlying condition such as diabetes or liver disease. While they are harmless, they can be removed for cosmetic reasons. Treatment involves addressing the underlying condition and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
A xanthoma is a lesion caused by an unusual accumulation of fat near the skin’s surface. The lesions appear as small yellow bumps and can emerge anywhere on the body, although they are most common on the eyelids, hands, feet, and various joints. While a xanthoma doesn’t normally pose any health problems in itself, it can be indicative of an underlying condition, such as diabetes or liver disease. It’s important to speak to a dermatologist or primary care doctor at the first sign of abnormal bumps to get an accurate diagnosis and learn about treatment options.
Xanthomas are collections of certain types of fat, mainly cholesterol and triglycerides derived from food. Skin lesions appear when the body is unable to effectively break down fat into usable energy. Diabetes, hypothyroidism, liver problems and genetic defects can all contribute to the growth of a xanthoma. A condition called hyperlipidemia, which basically means high cholesterol, is also a significant risk factor. A person could develop high cholesterol due to an inherited genetic disposition, poor dietary choices, or a combination of the two.
A specific condition known as eyelid xanthelasma causes soft, flat, slow-growing lesions on the upper or lower eyelids. Tuberous xanthomas are hard and typically emerge on the feet, hands and joints. Other types of lesions can arise on the arms or buttocks, and some appear on tendons and ligaments close to the skin. Most lesions are yellow and no larger than a standard pencil eraser, although some xanthomas can grow to about 3 inches in diameter.
A doctor can usually identify a xanthoma simply by examining the affected area of skin. Additional diagnostic procedures, such as tissue biopsies, liver tests, and blood tests, may be done to confirm a diagnosis and rule out other potential causes of skin problems. Laboratory tests on blood and skin samples are helpful in detecting any underlying disorders. After making an appropriate diagnosis, the doctor can decide how to treat the problems.
Because most xanthomas are considered harmless, they don’t require direct medical attention. A person who is concerned about the cosmetic appearance of the skin lesions, however, may decide to have them removed by a surgical specialist. In general, xanthomas tend to disappear over time when their underlying cause is treated effectively. Doctors can prescribe medications for high cholesterol, diabetes, and hypothyroidism to help reduce symptoms and reduce the risk of potentially life-threatening health problems. Maintaining a healthy diet and following a doctor’s orders carefully minimizes the chances of a xanthoma coming back.
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