Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPrognosisFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prognosis
Frequently Asked Questions
If you havehigh cholesterol, you may notice xanthelasma, which are slightly elevated or flat yellow-tinged growths on your skin. These are cholesterol deposits, and they generally accumulate on or around your eyelids. They are a common side effect of high concentrations of lipids in your blood.
While cholesterol deposits aren’t harmful, they can get worse over time and may cause some pain and discomfort. If you notice these deposits, consult your doctor. Cholesterol deposits could sometimes be a sign of other more serious health problems.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
Cholesteroldeposits on or around your eyes appear as soft yellowish lumps, or papules, that are flat or slightly raised. You’ll notice them on your eyelids, around the corner of the eye, as well as closer down toward the nose.They usually appear in a symmetrical arrangement surrounding the eyes.
These bumps tend to remain about the same size, but can also grow gradually over time, sometimes merging to form larger lumps.
Xanthelasma aren’t dangerous in their own right, and treatment is usually for aesthetic purposes only. That being said, you may find them to be itchy and uncomfortable.Depending on where they are, they can sometimes cause your eyelid to droop.
While you can develop xanthelasma at any age, they are most commonly found in middle-aged and older adults. There is a wide range in the age of onset, with reported cases from people ages 15 to 73 years old. They are also more often found in women than men.
Hyperlipidemia
Two common examples of these fats are triglycerides and cholesterol, which will build up in your arteries and block proper blood flow, increasing risk for serious conditions likestrokeandheart disease.
Dyslipidemia is one of the main underlying factors for developing cholesterol deposits since it causes a significant buildup of cholesterol in your system.
What Is a Normal Range for a Chol/HDL Ratio?
Genetic Factors
Lipid disorders that can cause cholesterol deposits are the result of genetics. They are common in people of Mediterranean and Asian descent.
Some common examples of these disorders include:
Lifestyle Factors
Some common lifestyle factors that may promote high cholesterol and cholesterol deposits include:
Medications
Some medications can increase your risk of hyperlipidemia and cholesterol deposits around your eyes and face, including:
Since cholesterol deposits are noticeable to the naked eye, your medical provider can diagnose them through a physical exam.
Your medical provider will also ask you questions about when you first noticed the deposits, whether they are causing discomfort or pain, and if the deposits have grown or changed in shape. Your provider may take a sample of the deposits for further testing.
To diagnose hyperlipidemia, your provider will perform a blood test called alipid panel. This is to check the triglyceride and cholesterol levels in your blood.This will be to definitively determine whether these deposits are the result of elevated lipid levels.
What Does It Matter If You Have High Cholesterol?
Because xanthelasma generally cause no medical issues, they usually do not need to be treated. However, if they become cosmetically distressing, there are several ways to remove them:
Do Not Try to Pop a Cholesterol Deposit Like a PimpleLike astyeor some other bump that appears on or near your eyelids, do not attempt to pop xanthelasma on your own. While there is little medical information out there specifically on popping cholesterol deposits, trying to remove them on your own can potentially damage your skin and eye, and may cause infections.
Do Not Try to Pop a Cholesterol Deposit Like a Pimple
Like astyeor some other bump that appears on or near your eyelids, do not attempt to pop xanthelasma on your own. While there is little medical information out there specifically on popping cholesterol deposits, trying to remove them on your own can potentially damage your skin and eye, and may cause infections.
Lifestyle Changes
Your medical provider may recommend that you adopt certain lifestyle changes to better manage the presence of lipids in your blood, which is the main cause of cholesterol deposits. Some common changes for managing your cholesterol levels include:
How to Tell if Foods Are Low or High Cholesterol
Cholesterol deposits usually cause no symptoms and are not dangerous. Their only real medical significance is to alert your doctor that your cholesterol levels are likely to be significantly elevated. It can, however, be upsetting to notice them forming around your eyes or on your face. Generally, people who seek treatment for these deposits are looking for a cosmetic treatment.
Xanthelasma can reappear. Ensuring permanent treatment may entail getting to the root of the issue and finding a way to keep your cholesterol and lipid levels in control.
When to See a DoctorIf you notice an unusual or abrupt shift in your physical health like the sudden appearance of cholesterol deposits, consult your healthcare provider. While xanthelasma deposits are generally benign growths, they can signify more serious underlying health issues. High cholesterol, when unchecked, can result in an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
When to See a Doctor
If you notice an unusual or abrupt shift in your physical health like the sudden appearance of cholesterol deposits, consult your healthcare provider. While xanthelasma deposits are generally benign growths, they can signify more serious underlying health issues. High cholesterol, when unchecked, can result in an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
Will cholesterol deposits on the skin go away on their own?
Cholesterol deposits generally don’t go away on their own. They tend to stay the same size or may grow larger. There is the chance that treating the underlying cause could reduce them, but if they are a big concern for you, you may want to reach out to a healthcare provider about options for removal.
Can you remove cholesterol deposits on the skin at home?
It is not recommended that you try to treat, pop, or burn away cholesterol deposits at home. This could lead to infection, scarring, or injury.Reach out to your healthcare provider to devise the best course of treatment for your xanthelasma.
How can you hide cholesterol deposits on the skin?
Cholesterol deposits tend to be very noticeable. They generally look like raised yellow-tinged bumps on or around your eyelids. If you are concerned about how these cholesterol deposits look, you should reach out to your healthcare provider to find the best treatment option. Don’t attempt to experiment on your own with skin creams or other at-home treatments.
A Word From Verywell
The presence of cholesterol deposits, or xanthelasma, on your face can be upsetting. The raised, bumpy, yellow-colored growths around or near your eyes are usually very noticeable. While they don’t generally cause intense pain or discomfort, they can be a cosmetic concern and could also signify underlying health issues, such as high cholesterol.
You should consult your physician or healthcare provider about the best course of treatment, which may include minimally invasive surgery to minimize the appearance of the deposits. They may also recommend lifestyle changes or medications for addressing the high cholesterol that led to the formation of the growths in the first place.
18 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Xanthelasma.Harvard Health Publishing.Ask the doctor: What can I do about xanthelasma on my eyelids?University of Iowa Health Care.Xanthelasma.Laftah Z, Al-Niaimi F.Xanthelasma: an update on treatment modalities.J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2018;11(1):1-6. doi:10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_56_17Merck Manual.Dyslipidemia (hyperlipidemia)[consumer version].MedlinePlus.Familial lipoprotein lipase deficiency.FH Foundation.How do I know I have FH?MedlinePlus.Familial hypertriglyceridemia.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Risk factors for high cholesterol.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Testing for cholesterol.Lee HY, Jin US, Minn KW, Park Y-O.Outcomes of surgical management of xanthelasma palpebrarum.Arch Plast Surg. 2013;40(4):380-386. doi:10.5999/aps.2013.40.4.380Jangra RS, Gupta S, Gupta S, Dr A.Chemical cautery pen.J Ame Acad Dermatol. 2020;82(6):e193-e194. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2019.03.032Nair PA, Singhal R.Xanthelasma palpebrarum – a brief review.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017;11:1-5. doi:10.2147/CCID.S130116Thomas DJ, King AR, Peat BG.Excision margins for nonmelanotic skin cancer.Plast Reconstr Surg. 2003;112(1):57-63. doi:10.1097/01.PRS.0000067479.77859.31Rubins S, Ritina I, Jakus J, Rubins A.Plasma sublimation for the treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum.Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Pannonica Adriat. 2020;29(2):55-57. doi:10.15570/actaapa.2020.13American Academy of Dermatology Association.Pimple popping: why only a dermatologist should do it.Cleveland Clinic.Hyperlipidemia.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.LDL and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
18 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Xanthelasma.Harvard Health Publishing.Ask the doctor: What can I do about xanthelasma on my eyelids?University of Iowa Health Care.Xanthelasma.Laftah Z, Al-Niaimi F.Xanthelasma: an update on treatment modalities.J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2018;11(1):1-6. doi:10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_56_17Merck Manual.Dyslipidemia (hyperlipidemia)[consumer version].MedlinePlus.Familial lipoprotein lipase deficiency.FH Foundation.How do I know I have FH?MedlinePlus.Familial hypertriglyceridemia.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Risk factors for high cholesterol.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Testing for cholesterol.Lee HY, Jin US, Minn KW, Park Y-O.Outcomes of surgical management of xanthelasma palpebrarum.Arch Plast Surg. 2013;40(4):380-386. doi:10.5999/aps.2013.40.4.380Jangra RS, Gupta S, Gupta S, Dr A.Chemical cautery pen.J Ame Acad Dermatol. 2020;82(6):e193-e194. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2019.03.032Nair PA, Singhal R.Xanthelasma palpebrarum – a brief review.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017;11:1-5. doi:10.2147/CCID.S130116Thomas DJ, King AR, Peat BG.Excision margins for nonmelanotic skin cancer.Plast Reconstr Surg. 2003;112(1):57-63. doi:10.1097/01.PRS.0000067479.77859.31Rubins S, Ritina I, Jakus J, Rubins A.Plasma sublimation for the treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum.Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Pannonica Adriat. 2020;29(2):55-57. doi:10.15570/actaapa.2020.13American Academy of Dermatology Association.Pimple popping: why only a dermatologist should do it.Cleveland Clinic.Hyperlipidemia.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.LDL and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Xanthelasma.Harvard Health Publishing.Ask the doctor: What can I do about xanthelasma on my eyelids?University of Iowa Health Care.Xanthelasma.Laftah Z, Al-Niaimi F.Xanthelasma: an update on treatment modalities.J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2018;11(1):1-6. doi:10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_56_17Merck Manual.Dyslipidemia (hyperlipidemia)[consumer version].MedlinePlus.Familial lipoprotein lipase deficiency.FH Foundation.How do I know I have FH?MedlinePlus.Familial hypertriglyceridemia.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Risk factors for high cholesterol.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Testing for cholesterol.Lee HY, Jin US, Minn KW, Park Y-O.Outcomes of surgical management of xanthelasma palpebrarum.Arch Plast Surg. 2013;40(4):380-386. doi:10.5999/aps.2013.40.4.380Jangra RS, Gupta S, Gupta S, Dr A.Chemical cautery pen.J Ame Acad Dermatol. 2020;82(6):e193-e194. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2019.03.032Nair PA, Singhal R.Xanthelasma palpebrarum – a brief review.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017;11:1-5. doi:10.2147/CCID.S130116Thomas DJ, King AR, Peat BG.Excision margins for nonmelanotic skin cancer.Plast Reconstr Surg. 2003;112(1):57-63. doi:10.1097/01.PRS.0000067479.77859.31Rubins S, Ritina I, Jakus J, Rubins A.Plasma sublimation for the treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum.Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Pannonica Adriat. 2020;29(2):55-57. doi:10.15570/actaapa.2020.13American Academy of Dermatology Association.Pimple popping: why only a dermatologist should do it.Cleveland Clinic.Hyperlipidemia.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.LDL and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Xanthelasma.
Harvard Health Publishing.Ask the doctor: What can I do about xanthelasma on my eyelids?
University of Iowa Health Care.Xanthelasma.
Laftah Z, Al-Niaimi F.Xanthelasma: an update on treatment modalities.J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2018;11(1):1-6. doi:10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_56_17
Merck Manual.Dyslipidemia (hyperlipidemia)[consumer version].
MedlinePlus.Familial lipoprotein lipase deficiency.
FH Foundation.How do I know I have FH?
MedlinePlus.Familial hypertriglyceridemia.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Risk factors for high cholesterol.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Testing for cholesterol.
Lee HY, Jin US, Minn KW, Park Y-O.Outcomes of surgical management of xanthelasma palpebrarum.Arch Plast Surg. 2013;40(4):380-386. doi:10.5999/aps.2013.40.4.380
Jangra RS, Gupta S, Gupta S, Dr A.Chemical cautery pen.J Ame Acad Dermatol. 2020;82(6):e193-e194. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2019.03.032
Nair PA, Singhal R.Xanthelasma palpebrarum – a brief review.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017;11:1-5. doi:10.2147/CCID.S130116
Thomas DJ, King AR, Peat BG.Excision margins for nonmelanotic skin cancer.Plast Reconstr Surg. 2003;112(1):57-63. doi:10.1097/01.PRS.0000067479.77859.31
Rubins S, Ritina I, Jakus J, Rubins A.Plasma sublimation for the treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum.Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Pannonica Adriat. 2020;29(2):55-57. doi:10.15570/actaapa.2020.13
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Pimple popping: why only a dermatologist should do it.
Cleveland Clinic.Hyperlipidemia.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.LDL and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
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