Cholesterol and white spots have one thing in common -- familial hypercholesterolemia. Although high cholesterol has no symptoms, familial hypercholesterolemia is the exception. This condition is inherited, one that passes a mutant gene down through generations of family members, resulting in high cholesterol levels from birth. The white spots from this condition are one of the few ways doctors can detect and treat it.
LDL Cholesterol
LDL cholesterol, often referred to as your bad cholesterol, increases your risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke when levels are too high. Those with familial hypercholesterolemia have naturally high levels of this cholesterol type because the gene responsible for clearing excess LDL cholesterol from the blood is altered, and unable to do so. Men with this condition tend to have heart attacks in their 40s and 50s, explains the National Human Genome Research Institute. Heart attacks in women tend to occur 10 years later.
White Spots
The white spots you see are cholesterol deposits located just below your skin. The deposits themselves pose no health risk, it is the underlying cause you need to be concerned with. There are two types of cholesterol spots: xanthomas and xanthelasmas.
Xanthomas and Xanthelasmas
Xanthomas and xanthelasmas are very similar with the exception of their location. Xanthomas usually appear on your buttocks, knees, joints, hands, feet, elbows or tendons, but can develop anywhere. Xanthelasmas are a form of xanthomas that appear only on your eyelids. Although neither are painful, they can be a cosmetic embarrassment. They are bumps under your skin with well-defined borders, and can grow to more than 3 inches in size. Typically yellow to orange in color, they may appear white as well.
Treatment
The Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center explains the best treatment for these cholesterol deposits is proper management of the underlying condition -- high cholesterol. Managing your blood fats through proper diet and cholesterol-lowering medications may reduce their recurrence. Cosmetic treatments are available for those who want them removed. Different forms of surgery, including laser, is an option, along with chemical treatments. Surgery is not a guarantee, though, as the cholesterol deposits may return.
