Xanthelasma
Xanthelasma
Medical condition
Xanthelasma is a sharply demarcated yellowish deposit of cholesterol underneath the skin.[1] It usually occurs on or around the eyelids (xanthelasma palpebrarum, abbreviated XP).[1][2] While they are neither harmful to the skin nor painful, these minor growths may be disfiguring and can be removed.[1] There is a growing body of evidence for the association between xanthelasma deposits and blood low-density lipoprotein levels and increased risk of atherosclerosis.[3][4]
A xanthelasma may be referred to as a xanthoma when becoming larger and nodular, assuming tumorous proportions.[5] Xanthelasma is often classified simply as a subtype of xanthoma.[6]