Xanthelasma

A yellowish deposit of fatty material that is visible in the skin around the eyes. Xanthelasmas are common in elderly people and are usually of no more than cosmetic importance. However, in younger people they may be associated with hyperlipidaemias, in which there is excess fat in the blood. Xanthelasmas may be removed, if necessary, by a simple surgical procedure under a local anaesthetic. Any associated hyperlipidaemia must also be treated. (See also xanthomatosis.)