Harmless Yet Disturbing: Everything You Need To Know About Xanthelasma

 In Xanthelasma

Have you ever noticed yellow patches within the corners of your eyelids? The most commonly occur near the inner canthus of the eyelid, more often on the upper lid than the lower lid. Such patches comprise high levels of cholesterol or other fats in the blood. 

Xanthelasma isn’t destructive, yet if you don’t care for how they look, your eye specialist can assist you with disposing of them. This is called xanthelasma. It could be a sign that you are likely to get heart disease. It is more common to people who are middle-aged or older.

What are the chances of someone getting Xanthelasma?

Xanthelasma is more common to people who are middle-aged or older. It’s more common in women than in men.  

In some cases, you can get it if there is a significant degree of cholesterol or different fats in your blood. One can also get it regardless of whether your cholesterol levels are normal or not.

When should one go to a doctor?

You should think of visiting a doctor for Xanthelasma when you start witnessing early warning signs like cholesterol building up on your blood vessels.

If ignored, it can form sticky hard gunk known as plaque in arteries. Popularly known as Atherosclerosis, it can lead to heart diseases or even result in cardiac arrest.

Read More: How To Remove Cholesterol Deposits Around Eyes Naturally?

What are the minor side effects of the treatment?

There can be some side effects:

  • Scars
  • Changes in the skin colour
  • Turned-out eyelid
  • It can gradually regrow if one has inherited high cholesterol gene

When are you at risk?

You’re at risk if:

  • you’re a smoker
  • you’re obese
  • you have high blood pressure
  • you have diabetes
  • your lipid levels (the fats in your blood, including cholesterol) are abnormally high

Treatment

Xanthelasma is mostly harmless. But it still disturbs your physical appearance. There are a few treatment options that one can opt for:

  • Surgical removal
  • Laser Removal 
  • Cryosurgery- It is the use of extreme cold in surgery to destroy abnormal or diseased tissue
  • Electrodesiccation – The drying of tissue by a high-frequency electric current applied with a needle-shaped electrode.

Be safe – Manage Your Cholesterol

Changing your diet and lifestyle choices should help in controlling cholesterol. Few ways to lower your cholesterol can be:

  • To not smoke and control the consumption of alcohol
  • Maintain a good weight 
  • Have a balanced diet and avoid oily food
  • Exercise regularly

You must consult your dermatologist when you notice any deposits around your eyes so they can assess you for any different conditions. Few procedures are too costly, so make sure to choose your dermatologist wisely and ensure you’re mindful of all expenses before starting the treatment.

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