Xanthelasma

Xanthelasma

What is Xanthelasma?

Xanthelasma is a condition in which yellow patches appear on the inside corners of your eyelids or around your eyes. It is a yellowish, fatty deposit that forms under your skin. Even though Xanthelasma is not harmful and doesn’t pose a threat to the eye or vision, you must still get it checked. In some cases, it can be an indication of possible heart diseases, or other systemic diseases such as Xanthogranuloma.

What are the symptoms of Xanthelasma?

A visible yellow patch around the eyelid or corner of the eye. It may occur as a single or multiple small patches.

What causes Xanthelasma?

The primary cause of xanthelasma in about half the people with this condition is high cholesterol. The other causes include:-

• No particular reason/ idiopathic
• High LDL or low HDL
• Family History
• The liver disease called primary biliary cirrhosis

Treatment options

The following are the treatment options for xanthelasma

• Medication: Medication can make the yellow patched in the early stage
• Cryosurgery: Freeze it off with intense cold
• Remove it with a laser
• Take it off with surgery
• Treat it with an electric needle/ radiofrequency
• Dissolve it with a chemical peel

What is the recovery time ?

Dr Sneha will assess your condition and advise the appropriate treatment. The recovery time depends on the method of treatment you opt for. In case of surgical treatment, it can take up to two weeks.

What are the potential complications?

• Scars
• Recurrence
• Changes in skin color
• Inability to close the eye completely / lagophthalmos