Xanthelasma

Xanthelasma is a condition where yellowish, soft plaques appear on the skin, usually around the eyelids. These plaques are made up of fatty deposits called cholesterol. It mainly affects the skin and blood vessels by indicating an abnormal buildup of fats in the body. While the plaques themselves are harmless and painless, they can be a visible sign of high cholesterol levels or other lipid disorders. This condition may signal an increased risk for heart disease because it reflects underlying problems with fat metabolism. The plaques tend to grow slowly and do not cause symptoms other than cosmetic concerns. Understanding this condition helps in recognizing potential issues with blood lipid management.

Xanthelasma is a cutaneous manifestation characterized by yellowish, flat or slightly elevated plaques composed of lipid-laden foam cells within the dermis, predominantly located on the medial aspects of the eyelids. It results from cholesterol accumulation due to local lipid metabolism abnormalities or systemic hyperlipidemia, especially elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. The pathogenesis involves macrophage uptake of excess lipids, forming foam cells that aggregate in the skin. Clinically, it is significant as a marker for underlying dyslipidemia and increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Histologically, it shows clusters of foam cells and cholesterol clefts. Although benign and asymptomatic, its presence warrants evaluation for lipid disorders and cardiovascular risk assessment.