Xanthomas, xanthelasmas and fatty deposits are all cholesterol spots, a sign of familial hypercholesterolemia, which simply means you have high cholesterol because of your genetic makeup. People with familial hypercholesterolemia may have cholesterol spots, which are a sign of high lipid levels, appear on the face.
Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Most people are born with a gene that clears excess amounts of LDL cholesterol from your blood. LDL increases your risk of heart attack and heart disease by building along your artery walls. Approximately one in 500 people inherit a mutant version of this gene, according to the National Human Genome Research Institute. This inhibits the gene's ability to clear the excess LDL from your blood, increasing your risk of heart disease at an early age.
Signs of Familial Hypercholesterolemia
The difference between those with familial hypercholesterolemia and people without this condition lies primarily in their skin. Cholesterol spots are a common sign of it, and although other conditions may contribute to their development, high cholesterol is among the most common. Known as xanthomas and xanthelasmas, cholesterol spots are classified into types by the area of the body they appear on.
Xanthelasmas
Xanthelasmas are cholesterol spots on the face that appear on or around your eyes. These are a form of xanthoma, which typically appear on your elbows, knees, hands, feet, tendons and joints, according to Lenox Hill Hospital. A xanthelasma generally begins as a small bump, growing larger over a period of time. The New Zealand Dermatological Society describes them as soft, velvety, yellow or flat, and soft to touch. The only health risk is their underlying cause -- high cholesterol. Some people pursue removal of the spots for cosmetic reasons.
Treatment
Primary treatment is control and management of your high cholesterol. When you have familial hypercholesterolemia, you are more likely to experience a heart attack earlier in life. This tends to occur in men during their 40s or 50s, while women experience this complication approximately 10 years later, according to the National Human Genome Research Institute. Eating a low-fat diet, increasing your physical activity, losing excess weight and taking cholesterol-lowering medications can help you accomplish this. Your doctor can remove cholesterol spots using various forms of surgery or a topical acid to dissolve them. The spots may return after any of these procedures.
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