Xanthelasma

In xanthelasmas ( from Greek ξανθός ( xanthos ) = yellow and τὸ ἔλασμα ( elasma ) = the disk) is it to yellow or red, sharply demarcated deposits of fat or fatty substances (cholesterol) in the skin. Frequently one finds the xanthelasmas usually occur on both sides of the face below the eyes and palpebrarum on the nasal side of the eyelids, so-called xanthelasma.

Treatment

Xanthelasmas not usually regress and can not be treated with medication. One treatment option is the external use highly corrosive substances such as trichloroacetic acid. Also, surgical removal is carried out; but there is the risk of scarring. Laser surgery is the best treatment applied method for the removal of xanthelasma. The laser transmits this affected skin from superficial. Since all treatments target only the removal of the affected parts of the skin, but do not address the ( largely unknown ) causes, there is a high probability of relapse. It is according to a study of 1979 surgical treatment 40%; it already came to a relapse and this was again surgically removed, the probability of relapse is as high as 60%. That is, in 24 % of treated patients reverse the xanthelasmas back even after two away. But the time to recurrence is usually several years.

Since xanthelasmas are neither contagious nor the physical well-being of those affected adversely affect, reject health insurance companies cover the costs for their removal. Another argument is that the laser surgery usually used was not recognized as a treatment method and there are no studies on the long-term effects of such treatment. Sufferers often feel stigmatized because the distinct clinical picture gives the visual impression of " scarred " eyes. Study data suggest that these lipid deposits are to be considered independent of the blood lipid levels as indicators of increased cardiovascular risk.

Causes

Xanthelasmas expression of lipid metabolism disorder (eg, hypercholesterolemia ) or primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC ) have, however, also occur in healthy individuals. Occasionally, after medical lowering of elevated blood lipid levels also in a concomitant regression of xanthelasma. Main risk groups are older men with dyslipidemia and postmenopausal women. In adolescents, the occurrence of xanthelasma is rather rare.

Molding

• Flat xanthelasma ( xanthelasma planum )
• Sublime xanthelasma ( xanthelasma tuberosum)