• Home
  • diseases
  • Yellow Lumps on the Eyelids (Xanthelasma): Is It Dangerous?

Yellow Lumps on the Eyelids (Xanthelasma): Is It Dangerous?

Yellow Lumps on the Eyelids (Xanthelasma): Is It Dangerous?

Share :


Xanthelasma refers to the presence of yellowish nodules on the eyelids. This lump is typically more prevalent in individuals between the ages of 35 and 55. However, it can also manifest itself at the ages of 20 and 70.

Are these yellow lumps dangerous? Check out the review in the following article.

 

Characteristics of xanthelasma

Xanthelasma is easily identifiable due to its special characteristics, which include:

  • The nodules have a golden or yellow color
  • The lump's edges are visible, and it's either flat or slightly elevated
  • Xanthelasma can be visible, particularly on the inside, top, and bottom corners of the eyelids
  • The texture is gentle and usually doesn't hurt when touched.
  • Those lesions that are flat and smooth
  • Remains pretty much the same in terms of size and color throughout relatively short time
  • If cholesterol levels continue to be excessive, xanthelasma may become larger.

 

Is xanthelasma dangerous for the eyes?

Actually, xanthelasma lumps are not immediately dangerous to the eyes. Under the layers of skin, fat—particularly cholesterol—builds up and forms this bulge. High blood cholesterol might cause this cholesterol accumulation.

You should be careful when these yellow lumps pop up, even though they are not dangerous. If you have xanthelasma, it may indicate that you have other health problems, such as:

 

Diabetes

Diabetes may impact lipid metabolism, leading to an elevated risk of cholesterol and fat accumulation in the skin.

 

Hyperlipidemia

Elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the bloodstream can contribute to the development of xanthelasma.

 

Thyroid disorders

A condition characterized by an underactive thyroid can lead to elevated levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream, which can manifest as yellow nodules in the eyes.

Recent studies have identified additional risks to health associated with xanthelasma, including atherosclerosis, heart disease, and heart attacks, in addition to the aforementioned conditions. The accumulation of lipid-rich plaque on the arterial walls can result in arterial constriction and hardening. An accumulation of cholesterol in the coronary arteries can also elevate the danger of myocardial infarction.

 

Is xanthelasma removable?

Xanthelasma is a condition that does not resolve spontaneously. To overcome it, it is necessary for you to look for treatment.

Your doctor might prescribe a cream to stop the growth of xanthelasma. To treat larger lumps, it is necessary to try cryotherapy or laser procedures in order to eliminate the accumulation of fat.

Surgical excision or electrodessication are two alternative options for xanthelasma removal.

You should still complete a self-examination and seek a medical professional's opinion on what caused this yellow bump on your eyelid to develop, even though it is treatable. Xanthelasma is particularly important since it can indicate the beginning of cholesterol buildup in the blood vessels.

Find out your cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein levels with a blood test. In order to determine the risk of cardiovascular disease, this test is necessary.

If you need more information about xanthelasma or cholesterol, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

Looking for more information about other diseases? Click here!

 

 

Writer : Agatha Writer
Editor :
  • dr. Alvidiani Agustina Damanik
Last Updated : Monday, 20 May 2024 | 07:23

Stephanie Watson (2024). What Is Xanthelasma?. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/xanthelasma 

Cleveland Clinic (2022). Xanthelasma. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23385-xanthelasma 

Daniel Porter (2021). What is xanthelasma?. Available from: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-xanthelasma 

Nikos Pappan, et all (2024). Dyslipidemia. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560891/ 

American Heart Association (2024). Cholesterol and Diabetes. Available from: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/diabetes/diabetes-complications-and-risks/cholesterol-abnormalities--diabetes 

Cleveland Clinic (2022). Hyperlipidemia. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21656-hyperlipidemia 

Medline Plus (2023). Xanthoma. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001447.htm