Xanthelasma

Xanthelasma

Category(ies): Cornea, External Eye Disease, Oculoplastics

Contributor: Austin R. Fox, MD, Angela Mahoney, and Audrey C. Ko, MD

Photographer: Audrey C. Ko, MD

Xanthelasmas are yellowish papules or plaques caused by the deposition of lipid on or around the eyelids. The lesions are relatively rare, with an incidence of 1.1% in women and 0.3% in men [1]. Lesions typically appear between 40 and 60 years but may appear at younger ages as a sign of a familial dyslipoproteinemia. Approximately 50% of patients with xanthelasmas have abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels, and these lesions have been associated with hypothyroidism, cirrhosis, and nephrotic syndrome. Therefore, systemic work-up is indicated in these patients. Treatment of these lesions include observation, surgical excision, topical trichloroacetic acid (TCA), laser ablation, and liquid nitrogen cryotherapy [2]. Regardless of the treatment modality, recurrence is common and is reported to be 40% after primary surgical excision [3].

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Reference:

1. Rohrich, R.J., J.E. Janis, and P.H. Pownell, Xanthelasma palpebrarum: a review and current management principles. Plast Reconstr Surg, 2002. 110(5): p. 1310-4.
2. Laftah, Z. and F. Al-Niaimi, Xanthelasma: An Update on Treatment Modalities. J Cutan Aesthet Surg, 2018. 11(1): p. 1-6.
3. Mendelson, B.C. and J.K. Masson, Xanthelasma: follow-up on results after surgical excision. Plast Reconstr Surg, 1976. 58(5): p. 535-8.

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