xanthomas on eyelids

[the123]

I have had these xanthomas on my eyelids on both eyes for about 10 years.  I started to get them when I was around 13 years old I am now 23.  I had them removed once by a dermatologist but they came back.  They are not big they are small.  They do however concern me because I have heard they can be caused by high cholesterol.  I have had my cholesterol checked and it was not high it was within normal range but this was when I was 16 years old and it said it was my total cholesterol I don't remember it saying anything about my LDL, HDL, or tryglicerides.  I go to my new dermatologist at least once a year and he told that they we nothing to worry about and he could remove them if I wanted but I don't because they are small.  He did not mention or seem concerned about them being caused by high cholesterol.  I am obese and have been over weight since I was about 12 years old.  Last year I started to have heart palpation's and rapid heart beat, got them checked out by cardiologist in hospital had an EKG was monitored had blood drawn I assume they would have checked me for cholesterol but I really don't remember, said it was from anxiety gave me proprananol they have subsided.  My question, sorry for such a long intro, is no doctor ever seemed concerned they were caused by high cholesterol or anything to do with the heart but those palpation's threw me for a loop and got me thinking that these things on my eyelids could be a result of something wrong with my arteries or heart.  I am just worrying to much and if so what else causes these small things to occur on my eye lids and around my eyes?  Thank you for time.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

There is no need for concern.  Although xanthomas are cholesterol deposits, they are almost never connected with high serum cholesterol.  Since cholesterol is part of any routine battery of blood tests--the kind you get at every annual physical--it must have been checked.  Ask your doctor.

No need to remove them--they come back anyway.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[SCOTTB]

What is xanthomas??

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Collections of fatty substances in the skin.

Dr. Rockoff

[Brighteyes1]

I have calcium deposits on my eylids and can't stand the sight of them.  they are very hard to cover with makeup.  What can I do about it?  Is there chemical peels or medication I can put on them?   Have to do something.  Eye lid surgery is not an option I'd guess because they are to close to the bridge of my nose.  far from the natural crease of my eye lid.  Is it true if some how I managed to have tem removed they would return?  They are like these little lights next to my eye  hate them   help!!!

[Brighteyes1]

Correction .. not (calcium) but cholesterol deposits.

[TUCK899]

A related discussion, eye growths was started.

[mvclan]

A related discussion, choloestoral deposits was started.