With cases of this non-fatal increasing in Bengaluru, people usually stick to ignoring it
City doctors are seeing an increase in cases of Xanthoma. While many people tend to ignore skin condition that is not known to be dangerous, doctors are advising individuals to get themselves checked as it could be a sign of another underlying medical condition.
Xanthoma is a skin condition in which certain fats build up under the surface of the skin. It is usually visible in adults, especially in people who have high body fat. They are most often seen on the elbows, joints, tendons, knees, and hands. feet. or buttocks. It looks like a yellow or orange bump with defined borders. It could occur in clusters or even singly.
Dr Bhavyashree. Dermatologist. Specialist Hospital. said. We are seeing an increase in cases of Xanthoma. a skin condition caused by high cholesterol or high triglyceride levels. Xanthoma isn’t harmful to the skin. It is just a cosmetic indication, but is a sign that there are other underlying health issues faced by the patient like diabetes and hypothyroid:
She said that some preventive measures people can undertake include careful management of lipid profile and cholesterol levels. Another important factor is to modify current lifestyle habits to a much healthier one. It is important to determine the type and severity of the xanthoma and lipid type before the actual treatment of this disease, she added.
Only once a biopsy is done can the doctor give an accurate diagnosis of the underlying problem. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, careful surgical extraction, and laser treatments can be done to treat this condition, which will optimize the lipid profile.
Dr Mikki. Head Dermatologist and Cosmetologist. Bodycraft Clinic described Xanthoma as a condition where fatty growths develop under the skin and are not usually painful but can sometimes be itchy.
“The treatment of the condition should rid the patient of Xanthoma. It is not life-threatening and can be prevented by leading a healthy lifestyle to manage lipid and cholesterol levels: Mikki added.
A patient revealed that she had Xanthoma on her eyelid. The doctors stated that it could be due cholesterol deposit and then a cryosurgery was done to remove the lump.
Dr Divya Marina Fernandes. Consultant, Heart Failure Specialist, and Interventional Cardiologist. Aster RV Hospital. stated that there has been al° percent rise overall in cases of Xanthoma.
The condition may not be completely preventable, but there are steps one can take to lower the risk of developing it. she explained, adding that it is also important to maintain appropriate blood lipid and cholesterol levels.
“You can do this by eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and taking any necessary medications. Getting regular blood tests can also help you keep your lipid and cholesterol levels in check,” she said.
