|
Although our patients usually seek medical attention for cosmetic purposes, xanthelasma may be a clue for a serious internal disease, namely dyslipidemia. The yellowish plaques on eyelids consist of lipid deposits in the skin. These can be skin manifestations of high cholesterol levels, high triglyceride levels, or bile duct disease.
Approximately 50% of people with xanthelasma have hyperlipidemia, and of those, some suffer from familial dyslipidemia syndromes (which start early in life).
It is important to have a full workup performed by a qualified dermatologist to evaluate for these conditions and treat promptly to decrease the risk of early heart attack and stroke.
|