What is Xanthelasma ?
Xanthomas is a skin condition caused by the deposit and accumulation of the fats beneath the skin in macrophage immune cells in the skin and rarely in the layer of fat under the skin.
They can be more than three inches in size or vary small. Xanthomas are not painful or dangerous , but can be cosmetically not seems good. Xanthoma may appears anywhere on the body , but the most common sites are elbows , joints , tendons , knees , hands , feet and buttocks.
Xanthelasma is a form of xanthoma that appears on the eyelids.
Some of the xanthomas are indicative of lipid metabolism disorder like Hyperlipidemia or high cholesterol / fats in blood. In this condition there may be associated with increased risk of coronary artery heart disease and occasionally with pancreatitis.
What are the Causes of Xanthomas/ Xanthelasma ?
Xanthomas may be associated with underlying causes like lipid metabolism disturbance or it may occur without any lipid raised.
Lipids are insoluble in water they combine with proteins to form compounds called lipoproteins. Lipoproteins transport lipids and cholesterol in the blood to different parts of the body. Depending upon their size and weight they are classified as VLDL- very low density lipoprotein , LDL- low density lipoproteins and HDL- high density lipoproteins. They have a good role to play in maintaining the metabolic functioning of the body.
The metabolic disorders which may give rise to Cutaneous Xanthomas are
Diabetes Mellitus , Hypothyroidism , Nephrotic Syndrome , Primary biliary cirrhosis , Some types of cancers , genetic or inherited – Primary hypolipoprotenaemia.
There are following types of Xanthoma and the classification is done on the base of the cause and they are found on the different parts of the body
Xanthelasma palpebrum
Tuberous Xanthomas
Tendinous Xanthomas
Eruptive Xantomas
Plane Xanthomas
Diffuse plane xanthomatosis
Xanthoma disseminatum
AYURVEDIC TREATMENT FOR XANTHOMAS / XANTHELASMA
Treating the underlying cause is the first line of treatment and then the removal of the lesion by local application and the oral herbal medications for controlling the growth and underlying health conditions that causes the fatty deposits to develop.
Local application of the Ayurvedic Oil and Creams for Xanthomas made by our centre is very effective and safe.
For the underlying causes like metabolic disturbance of the lipids , The Ayurvedic Oral herbal mixtures in the form of capsules and tablets are given to the patients so that the balance of the lipids gets maintained.