- limit sun exposure, and wear protective cloth-
ing and sunscreen when outdoors - stop smoking and avoid exposure to environ-
mental cigarette smoke - eat nutritiously, especially fruits and vegetables
that supply B vitamins and vitamin C, antioxi-
dants that may help prevent skin damage due
to sun exposure
Numerous over-the-counter products and
preparations purport to “cure” wrinkles. At best
this is false advertising, as wrinkles are as
inevitable as aging. However, products that add
moisture and vitamins to the skin may be
nonetheless beneficial for the skin.
See also AGING, INTEGUMENTARY CHANGES THAT
OCCUR WITH; ANTIOXIDANT; LENTIGINES; SMOKING CESSA-
TION; SURGERY BENEFIT AND RISK ASSESSMENT.
xanthoma A fatty deposit that forms a benign
(noncancerous) LESIONbeneath the SKIN, though
also may occur in other tissues. Xanthomas
develop in people who have chronic, untreated
HYPERLIPIDEMIA (elevated BLOOD cholesterol and
triglycerides levels). In their most common form,
xanthomas appear as yellowish blebs beneath the
skin, typically rounded or oblong, that protrude as
nodules or papules. Xanthomas that form on the
eyelids, a common presentation, are xanthelas-
mas. Most xanthomas do not cause symptoms
though may be cosmetically undesirable. Eruptive
xanthomas may occur in clusters, typically occur-
ring on the shoulders and inner surfaces of the
arms, and often itch.
The most significant feature of xanthoma is the
underlying lipid disorder, which signals increased
risk for CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE(CAD) and HEART
ATTACK. Many people who develop xanthomas
have familial lipid disorders that result in unusu-
ally elevated levels of triglycerides and very low
density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) or low
density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). These ele-
vations are markers for serious CARDIOVASCULAR
DISEASE(CVD) and require prompt medical treat-
ment. Lowering the blood lipid levels helps pre-
vent further xanthomas from developing, though
has no effect on existing xanthomas.
A xanthoma may create functional interference
depending on its location. Xanthelasmas on or
near the eyelids can interfere with proper vision,
for example, and xanthomas on the hands may
cause irritation and PAINduring tasks that require
manual dexterity. Many people choose to have
xanthomas removed for cosmetic purposes. Sev-
eral options are available for removing xan-
thomas, including cryotherapy (freezing),
electrodesiccation (cauterizing), excision (cutting
out), and LASER SURGERY. The site usually heals
without scarring, although xanthomas tend to
recur.
See also CHOLESTEROL BLOOD LEVELS; DIABETES;
MEDICATIONS TO TREAT CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE; NOD-
ULE; PANCREATITIS; PAPULE; PRURITUS; RISK FACTORS FOR
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE; TRIGLYCERIDE BLOOD LEVELS;
XANTHELASMA.xanthoma 211