Xanthelasma: causes and treatment

What are Xanthelasma?

Xanthelasma are benign (not harmful) deposits of cholesterol that can appear in the upper or lower eyelid. They are typically yellow in colour and tend to appear symmetrically on the face, with the nose as the middle point. Xanthelasma can be felt under the skin and have a “bumpy” texture.

What causes Xanthelasma?

Xanthelasma can be a warning sign of high cholesterol – for about 50% of individuals who develop them, this is the case. If you have xanthelasma, it is recommended to get your cholesterol checked by your GP to confirm if this is the cause. High cholesterol can be either primary (genetic) or secondary (caused by another underlying condition).

For the remaining 50% of individuals with xanthelasma who do not have high cholesterol, the cause may be another skin condition, such as eczema, psoriasis, or allergic contact dermatitis.

What are the symptoms of Xanthelasma?

The major symptom of xanthelasma is the appearance of yellowish fatty deposits around the eyes. These deposits should not cause any pain, itchiness, or obstruct vision. They usually do not go away without treatment and can become larger over time.

Most people who choose to get their xanthelasma removed do so for cosmetic reasons, to improve the appearance of their eye area and feel more confident.

How to treat Xanthelasma?

Xanthelasma removal at home: There are various websites listing home remedies to treat xanthelasma, such as applying raw garlic to the area. However, these remedies are not scientifically proven and may result in getting unwanted substances in the eye. It is not recommended to attempt such home treatments.

Xanthelasma removal surgery: At OCL Vision, we offer surgical excision of xanthelasma, which involves making a hidden cut in the eyelid under local anaesthetic to remove the lesion. Some practitioners offer non-surgical options, but these can risk affecting the surrounding skin pigmentation.

How to prevent Xanthelasma?

Reducing the chances of developing xanthelasma involves managing cholesterol levels. Ways to do this include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight: Achieving and keeping a healthy weight can reduce the risk of high cholesterol.
• Avoiding saturated fats: Limiting the intake of saturated fats found in foods like red meat and full-fat dairy products can help lower cholesterol.
• Not smoking: Smoking cessation is crucial as smoking can increase cholesterol levels and the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption: Limiting alcohol intake can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
• Taking regular exercise: Regular physical activity helps improve cholesterol levels.
• Increasing fibre Intake: Consuming fibre-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds help lower cholesterol.

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