Definition

Fatty lumps under the skin are called xanthomas. They range from very small to up to 3 inches in size. Xanthomas can be cosmetically disfiguring. Xanthomas may appear anywhere on the body. The most common places are the elbows, joints, tendons, knees, hands, feet, and buttocks.

If the fatty lumps are on the eyelids, it’s called xanthelasma.

Causes

Causes of xanthomas are:

• Raised fat levels in the blood
• Metabolic problems such as:
  • Diabetes
  • Primary biliary cirrhosis
  • High cholesterol
  • Certain cancers
  • Hypothyroidism

Xanthelasma is connected to high fat levels in the blood. But, you can still have it without these problems.

Risk Factors

Xanthoma is more common in older adults. Your chances are higher if you:

• Have one of the metabolic problems listed above
• Have very high cholesterol or triglyceride levels

Symptoms

Xanthomas may cause:

• Bumps under the skin, which may be:
  • Tender
  • Itchy
  • Painful
• Skin bumps that:
  • Are many different shapes
  • Are yellow to orange
  • Have well-defined borders

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. Your answers and a skin exam will point to having xanthomas. You may also have:

• A physical exam
• A biopsy to check the fatty lumps
• Blood tests to check cholesterol and to look for other causes

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Treatment

Xanthomas may go away on their own. Care depends on what’s causing them. This approach helps lower the chances of having them come back. Care may involve:

• Changes in you diet to lower the amount of fat
• Medicines to manage cholesterol and triglyceride levels

Options for removal may involve:

• Laser vaporization—different types of light can be used
• Applying chemicals to the affected area
• Surgery to cut them out

If you have them removed, it’s possible they will come back.

Prevention

To help lower your chances of xanthomas, follow your care plan if you have high cholesterol or other metabolic problems.