Quite often, people are faced with such a problem as eyelid xanthelasms. It is worth saying that most often from the presence of such neoplasms, elderly women suffer. Naturally, having noticed abnormal growths on the skin of the eyelids, patients begin to ask questions about how dangerous they are and which doctor to seek help from.
Xanthelasma: what is it?
Xanthelasma of the eyelids, which in medicine are also known as “flat xanthomas of the eyelids,” are benign skin tumors. Most often, such plaques have a yellowish tint and are localized on the skin of the upper eyelid.
According to statistics, eyelid xanthelasms are more often found in women, although their appearance in men is also possible. Occasionally, such neoplasms are diagnosed in children, but in such cases they are associated with genetic disorders.
The main causes of neoplasms
Despite the fact that the mechanisms of the development of such a disease are fairly well understood, far from every case it is possible to determine the exact cause. Most often, xanthelasms of the eyelids are associated with impaired lipid metabolism. Fat metabolism disorders are usually genetic problems. On the other hand, sometimes patients have localized subcutaneous deposition of lipids without disturbing metabolic processes.
Xanthelasma of the eyelids often appear in people suffering from diabetes mellitus, various forms of obesity, hypertension, increased levels of harmful cholesterol in the blood, developing atherosclerosis. Risk factors also include myxedema, pancreatitis, some forms of nephrosis (especially when it comes to lipoid damage to the kidneys), as well as severe liver diseases, in particular cirrhosis.
What do xanthelasms look like?
Xanthelasma is a skin neoplasm that most often occurs on the skin of the eyelids. As a rule, such growths are soft to the touch and have a yellowish color. On the other hand, the hue may change, become darker or brighter. Sometimes patients are found xanthelasma orange.
Neoplasms can be either single or multiple. The same applies to sizes - in some patients, bead-sized growths are diagnosed, in others they are more massive, sometimes occupying more than half of the upper eyelid. Neoplasms can be unilateral (appear only on one eyelid) or bilateral (appear on both eyelids, and symmetrically).
As a rule, xanthelasms are localized on the inside of the eyelid, although they can also spread to external tissues. In the presence of serious lipid metabolism disorders, such neoplasms can spread to the skin of the face and neck, sometimes small fatty plaques are found even on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity.
Are there any other symptoms of the disease?
Today, many people are interested in what are the xanthelasms of the eyelids. Treatment, patient reviews about therapy, the possibility of relapse are all very important points. And of course, features of the clinical picture are no less important.
In fact, these neoplasms rarely cause serious inconvenience. For example, with a similar disease, there are no symptoms such as inflammation, redness, swelling. Palpation of the tumor is painless. If patients complain of any systemic disorders, then they are primarily associated with metabolic disorders and other concomitant diseases. By the way, xanthelasma is not a primary disease, it is only a manifestation of existing disorders in the body.
How dangerous is xanthelasma?
Xanthelasma of the eyelids are benign neoplasms, and therefore are not considered a threat to human health. Inflammation or suppuration of such growths is extremely rare and only in case of damage to the skin.
There is no risk of malignant degeneration. On the other hand, large neoplasms on the eyelids can lead to physical discomfort. And they are often perceived as an aesthetic flaw.
Modern diagnostic methods
If you find an uncharacteristic neoplasm in your eyelid, you should consult a dermatologist. As a rule, diagnosis does not present any difficulties. Already during the initial examination, a specialist can determine that the growth is precisely xanthelasma.
Of course, other tests follow, as it is important to determine the cause of the appearance of neoplasms. To this end, tests are carried out for blood cholesterol, as well as comprehensive studies of lipid metabolism in the patient's body.
Is it possible to treat xanthelasma of the eyelids without removal?
In fact, therapy should be aimed not so much at removing xanthelasma of the eyelids as at eliminating the root cause of the disease. That is why the treatment in this case should be comprehensive. First of all, patients are recommended to review the diet. The menu should include a large number of fresh vegetables and fruits. At the same time, it is worth minimizing the use of fatty varieties of fish and meat, alcoholic beverages. Dishes should be baked or steamed.
In more severe cases, patients are prescribed lipotropic cholesterolemic drugs, for example, Cetamiphene, Lipamide. In addition, vitamins, in particular cyanocobalamin, ascorbic and nicotinic acids, are also included in the treatment regimen. To maintain liver function, the intake of Essential is recommended. Xanthelasms themselves can be treated with zinc-ichthyol ointment.
Xanthelasma of the eyelids: removal. Reviews, procedure description and price
Conservative treatment helps to normalize metabolism. Sometimes, during therapy, a decrease in the size of existing formations is observed. Nevertheless, in some cases, patients prefer to remove growths, especially when it comes to physical discomfort and cosmetic deficiency.
Today, there are many methods for removing skin lesions. The most simple and affordable is surgical excision. On the other hand, such a procedure can lead to complications, including inflammation, infection of the wound, the formation of noticeable scars.
That is why today such methods as electrocoagulation (destruction of xanthelasma tissue by means of electric currents) and laser therapy (excision of a tumor using a laser beam) are increasingly used.
Such methods allow you to quickly and almost painlessly get rid of skin growths. In this case, there are practically no traces on the skin, the risk of infection is minimal, and there is no need for a rehabilitation period. It is these measures that require xanthelasma of the eyelids (removal). The price of the procedure depends on the number and size of neoplasms and, as a rule, ranges from 3 to 10 thousand rubles.
Preventive actions
Naturally, a medicine that can protect against the appearance of such neoplasms does not exist. But if xanthelasma is associated with impaired lipid metabolism, then patients are advised to monitor nutrition, treat liver diseases on time, fight obesity, etc.
In addition, doctors strongly recommend that you follow the rules of personal hygiene, carefully monitor the skin of the face and eyelids, select high-quality cosmetics that do not cause allergies. Avoid skin injuries around the eyes and regularly undergo regular medical examinations by an ophthalmologist, therapist and dermatologist.
Alternative methods of treatment: how effective are they?
Naturally, there is a treatment for xanthelasma of the eyelids with folk remedies. However, the independent use of certain home medicines can be harmful to health, and therefore they can only be used with the permission of the attending physician.
For example, folk healers quite often recommend taking a yarrow broth. To prepare it, it is tedious to pour two teaspoons of the plant grass with a glass of boiling water and insist for an hour. After this, strain the infusion. You need to take 50-75 ml three times a day, preferably before meals. This will help establish the body and normalize metabolism.
In addition, you can use various ointments and compresses for external use. It is believed that the so-called honey dough provides good results. To prepare it, you need to mix one egg, a tablespoon of flour and a teaspoon of honey. Stir the ingredients until a dough is obtained, which then needs to be put on a closed eyelid and left for 10 minutes. Wash off the rest of the dough with cool water. The procedure is carried out once a day.