Question:

My Dad has these yellow bumps in the corners of his eyes. They've developed over the past year and I think they need to be removed. Do you know what they are?

Answer:

Most likely you are describing a skin condition called xanthelasma, which is common among elderly adults. Xanthelasmas are small deposits of fatty materials under the surface of the skin. These papules are typically yellow and soft to the touch, although they can be flat. They are not painful and usually appear in the skin of the eyelids near the nose. In 50 percent of cases, xanthelasmas indicate a high blood cholesterol or triglyceride level. However, these bumps may develop for no apparent reason.

Less common, xanthomas are also deposits of fatty materials under the surface of the skin ranging in size from very small to more than three inches in diameter. Xanthomas are a symptom of underlying metabolic disorders, such as diabetes or other conditions that are associated with an increase in blood lipids (fats), including cirrhosis of the liver, some types of cancer, and inherited disorders such as familial hypercholesterolemia (inherited tendency to high cholesterol levels). They can appear anywhere on the body, but commonly appear on the elbows, joints, tendons, knees, hands, feet or buttocks.

Your father should see his doctor for an examination. The doctor may order a complete lipid profile, which involves checking his total cholesterol level, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the bad kind), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the good kind), and triglycerides. His doctor will also want to know whether there is a family history of heart disease.

Xanthelasmas and xanthomas will not go away on their own. Reducing high blood fat levels may prevent more from forming. If the deposits are cosmetically bothersome, they can be removed.