Xanthelasma

Types of Xanthelasma

1. Common xanthelasma:

It is basically a yellowish collection of cholesterol under the skin. In fact, it commonly forms around the eyelids. A xanthoma is a large and nodular lesion that may achieve tumorous proportions and is different from xanthelasma. However, it is usually classified as a subtype of xanthelasma.

2. Xanthoma tuberosum

Tuberous xanthoma causes yellow lesions over the joints.

3. Xanthoma tendinosum

Tendinous xanthoma, often characterised by papules and nodules found in the tendons of the hands, feet, and heels. It is generally associated with a genetic disorder called familial hypercholesterolemia. As a result of familial hypercholesterolemia, the body is unable to remove bad cholesterol from the blood. This leads to an excess of bad cholesterol in the blood.

4. Eruptive xanthoma

Patients see small, yellowish-orange to reddish-brown papules all over the body. In fact, it can often be associated with elevated amounts of triglycerides.

5.Xanthoma diabeticorum

Xanthoma diabeticorum occurs in severely diabetic individuals.

6. Xanthoma planum

Plane xanthoma induces macules and plaques to spread over large areas of the body and diffuse.

7. Palmar xanthoma

In this condition, yellowish to orange plaques develop on the palms and flexural surfaces of the fingers. These flat macules have an elevation. Moreover, they contain a centralized pale area which at times is localized or generalized. They arise in the skin folds, especially in the creases of the palms.

8. Tuberoeruptive xanthoma

Inflamed red papules and nodules that coalesce form. In fact, it is part of the same disease category as eruptive xanthomata.

9. Xanthoma disseminatum

This a rare type associated with diabetes insipidus. Often characterized by several small yellowish or reddish-brown bumps spread evenly on both sides of the face and abdomen. Moreover, they may affect the armpits and groins. The small bumps may join together to form sheets of thickened skin.

10. Xanthoma verrucous or histiocytosis

A phenomenon associated with oral mucosa and skin papillomas.

11. Diffuse plane xanthomatosis

Often associated with an abnormal antibody found in the blood. Generally characterized by flat reddish-yellow plaques. They occur over the face, neck, chest, and in the folds of the skin.

Treatments of Xanthelasma

​Xanthelasma is usually harmless. However, but it may be a sign of an underlying issue. It may be an issue with lipid levels and cholesterol. Hence, iIt may also be an early warning of heart disease.

Therefore, xanthelasma requires medical attention. Moreover, if left untreated, it will only spread further. Other than surgical methods, an individual’s lifestyle choices play a major role. Diet is a major gamechanger.

The following changes are necessary :

• A healthy balanced diet with vegetables, salads, fruits, cereals, and meat. 
• Minimization of saturated fats (found in meat, butter, other dairy products, coconut oil, palm oil)
• Reduction of intake of simple and refined sugars (found in soft drinks and confectionaries) 
• Losing weight  
• Exercising regularly 
• Avoid smoking & drinking 

It can also be treated with various treatment options. 

• Cryotherapy:

Cryotherapy treatment, freezes the lesions with liquid nitrogen or another appropriate chemical. The lesions therefore, can either fall of or could be medically removed.

• Laser surgery with the Fractional CO2. 

• Surgical removal 

• Radiofrequency Advanced Electrolysis (RAF):

The RAF treatment uses electrical currents that pass through the lesions, as a result, it burns and disintegrates them. 

• Chemical peels:

Chemical peeling treatment involves the application of trichloroacetic acid on the skin. These chemicals exfoliate your skin and help remove any impurities.

• Medication:

There are various medications which help improve liver function and lower cholesterol. As a result, they help to treat xanthelasma. However, these need to be taken with a prescription only. 

• Electric needle treatment (electrodesiccation):

This treatment uses a hot needle to destroy the cholesterol deposits. They make burns in the skin forming a new layer of skin growths as a result, thereafter removing. 

It’s possible for the xanthelasma to reappear after treatment.