Xanthelasma

Disclaimer: The educational material provided is for general guidance purposes only. If you have any health concerns or are considering any treatments, it is necessary and highly advisable to consult with your treating physician for personalized advice and guidance.

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Xanthelasma is characterized by the presence of single or multiple soft yellow plaques/papules resulting from localized fat deposits on the eyelids, particularly in the inner corner. The upper lids are more commonly affected than the lower lids, and xanthelasmata often extend to involve all four lids. These growths tend to progress and can become permanent.

Xanthelasma typically appears in middle-aged to elderly individuals, with a higher prevalence in females. However, it can occur across a broad age range. Although xanthelasmata are generally non-harmful and painless, they may be cosmetically disfiguring.

Xanthelasma is often associated with hyperlipidemia or congenital disorders of lipid metabolism, and it's important to discuss these concerns with your GP to check cholesterol levels. Xanthelasma can also appear in other areas, including the neck, trunk, shoulders, and armpits. Differential diagnoses include chalazion, sebaceous hyperplasia, syringoma, nodular basal cell carcinoma, and necrobiotic xanthogranuloma.

As a benign lesion without associated cutaneous complications, treatment for xanthelasma is usually pursued for cosmetic reasons. The usual available treatments include surgical excision, energy-based devices ablation such as laser or plasma, and topical therapy such as chemical peels. It's crucial to note that certain treatments may result in scarring post-removal, depending on dermal damage during the procedure or infection following treatment. Therefore, discussing potential outcomes and risks with a healthcare professional is advisable before deciding on a specific treatment approach.