Xanthelasma

Xanthelasma are papular skin lesions with a yellow coloration that appear as a result of the accumulation of fat in immune cells in the skin. They usually occur in the eyelid area and cause a serious aesthetic problem. The occurrence of xanthelasma on the skin is usually a symptom of lipid metabolism disorders in the body, which leads to an increased risk of ischemic heart disease. Therefore, in case of appearance of xanthelasma it is necessary to consult a physician as soon as possible and undertake appropriate treatment.

Types of xanthelasma

There are several types of xanthelasma depending on their location and skin lesions development. Among the most common are papular lesions that:

• appear symmetrically on the upper and lower eyelids,
• soft, velvety, yellow and flat,
• initially a small tumor that grows larger over the following months,
• these c lesions may or may not be associated with high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia).

Other types of xanthelasma that are associated with diseases of fat metabolism in the body are:

• hard, painless, reddish-yellow nodules that appear on the knees, calves, heels, and buttocks,
• subcutaneous nodules near ligaments and tendons, most commonly found on the hands, feet, and Achilles tendon,
• small, itchy and sensitive to touch reddish-yellow nodules occurring on the buttocks, arms, hands and legs,
• flat, large spots or lumps occurring anywhere on the body.

Causes of xanthelasma

The most common cause of xanthelasma is an increased concentration of blood lipids – cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids. The disorders of lipid metabolism are a result of a genetic defect or are associated with diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, or nephrotic syndrome. The appearance of xanthomas can also occur in individuals with normal fat metabolism, although these are rare cases.

Diagnosis and treatment of xanthelasma

In order to effectively treat the xanthelasma, as well as to prevent the development of systemic diseases the symptom of which is papular skin lesions, it is necessary to undergo a detailed diagnosis.

Diagnostics to determine the cause of abnormal lipid levels in the body include:

• testing serum lipid levels,
• urinalysis,
• X-ray.

Occasionally, your physician may also order a biopsy of the papular lesions on your skin to confirm the presence of xanthelasma.

Treatment of xanthelasma primarily involves treating the underlying condition that resulted in the skin lesions. Reducing blood lipid levels may lead to the spontaneous disappearance of the unsightly papules.

Treatment for xanthelasma usually includes:

• pharmacological treatment,
• low-fat diet,
• removal of xanthelasma surgically or with Co2 laser

What does laser removal of xanthelasma involve?

Currently, the most effective and safest method of removing xanthelasma is laser therapy, which we successfully use in our Zakrzewscy Clinic.

Laser removal of xanthelasma in our Clinic is preceded by a professional dermatological consultation in order to assess the nature of skin lesion and choose the optimal treatment method.

In most cases, we use the modern Alma Pixel CO2 surgical laser to remove xanthelasma, which guarantees 100% effectiveness and safety of the procedure.

Advantages of using laser in the treatment of skin lesions in Zakrzewscy Clinic:

• 5 minutes – that’s how long it usually takes to remove xanthelasma from the skin,
• Immediate, positive results of the treatment,
• The treatment is very precise and gentle, which significantly reduces the recovery period,
• The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, making it painless and safe for pregnant women and people with chronic diseases,
• The use of local anesthesia means that the Patients can eat and drink before the procedure and immediately return to their daily activities afterwards,
• The procedure does not cause side effects in the form of scars or pain. There is no need for pain pills,
• After the procedure, the Patient continues to be under the care of the Clinic, and their condition is monitored according to an individually adapted health monitoring schedule.

For more information about treatment with the Alma Pixel CO2 laser at our Clinic visit our website.

Check out the offer of Zakrzewscy Clinic in the scope of removing warts. In our offer you can also find treatments the aim of which is to remove warts, whiteheads, fibromas and condylomas.

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