Treatment for Xanthomas / Xanthelasmata

Ask an Eye M.D. Answer Archive

Question:
What is a xanthomas and how is it treated?

Answer:
I assume you are asking about the eyelid subtype of xanthomas known as xanthelasmata. These are soft, yellow, fatty deposits found under the skin. Typically, they are neither painful nor harmful. Although they are fatty deposits, the presence of a xanthelasma does not necessarily indicate that one has high cholesterol. They can be removed if they are particularly disfiguring, but excision can cause scarring and they may recur.

Answered by: James M. Heltzer, MD

Categories: Eye Conditions

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