$Unique_ID{BRK00687}
$Pretitle{Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue}
$Title{What Are Those Little Yellowish Bumps People Get Around The Eyes?}
$Subject{eyes lumps lid fat}
$Volume{L-21}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Are Those Little Yellowish Bumps People Get Around The Eyes?


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QUESTION:  What are those little yellowish bumps people get around the eyes?
They don't seem to bother anything, but what can be done to prevent them from
growing?

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ANSWER:  Physicians call these yellow-colored lesions xanthelasma.  They are
usually raised slightly above the skin surface and can occur on either the
upper or lower eyelid usually near the inner corner.  They occur in
individuals who suffer from elevated blood cholesterol, particularly in an
inherited disorder called "familial hypercholesterolemia" although they can
occur in any individual with elevated cholesterols.  In the familial disease,
the serum cholesterol may be elevated to two or three times normal and
requires agressive treatment.  Their growth can be halted by lowering serum
cholesterol which means strict avoidance of foods containing cholesterol and
saturated fatty acids.  These include meat, especially organ meats and obvious
fats, milk, cream, butter, eggs, lard, and other saturated cooking fats.
     As you correctly stated, they don't bother anything, but remember that
other similar plaques are developing on the lining of the patient's arteries,
causing a condition called artherosclerosis.  With attention to diet and the
lowering of serum cholesterol levels, not only will the plaques on the eye
stop growing, but the more important ones located within the arteries may also
become smaller.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
