Yellow patches on eyelids, beware of lipid disorders

Many people develop yellow plaques or papules on their eyelids. In addition to the cosmetic impact, few people know that about 50% of cases of eyelid xanthelasma are related to lipid disorders.

Many people, especially women over 35 years old, have yellow rash on their eyelids - Photo: Doctor provided

Lack of confidence in communication, once thought of having to "live with" yellow rash on eyelids for life

A 45-year-old female patient (residing in Ho Chi Minh City) came to the Plastic Surgery Department of Ho Chi Minh City Dermatology Hospital for examination because of symmetrical yellow patches appearing on both upper eyelids for more than two years.

At first the lesion was small, but over time it spread and thickened, causing loss of aesthetics and making her very self-conscious when communicating with colleagues.

Informing the doctor, Ms. H. shared: "I used to think I would have to live with xanthophyllosis for the rest of my life, because before, I listened to my acquaintances, bought topical medications and used folk remedies such as applying wet tea bags to my eyes... but none of them worked, making me very self-conscious when communicating."

After examination and testing, the doctor diagnosed Ms. H. with xanthoma of the eyelids related to lipid disorders. Due to the large and widespread lesions, the doctor prescribed surgery to remove and reconstruct the upper eyelid.

As a result of the surgery, all xanthomas were removed, the upper eyelids were shaped harmoniously, leaving no deformities. After 3 months of follow-up, her eyelids were completely recovered, the scars were faint and natural, and her eyes looked younger and brighter.

Doctor Nguyen Xuan Vu - plastic surgery unit of Ho Chi Minh City Dermatology Hospital - said that xanthelasma palpebrarum is a condition in which yellow patches or papules appear on the eyelids, formed from the deposition of cholesterol and lipid-rich substances under the skin.

Lesions usually appear in the inner corner of the eyelid, and can occur on both the upper and lower eyelids. Although benign and almost harmless to health, they greatly affect aesthetics.

Regarding the cause of eyelid yellow rash, Dr. Vu said that it comes from cholesterol deposits in the skin, tendons, subcutaneous tissue and many other locations in the body.

Lesions appear as soft, yellow papules or plaques, usually appearing along the inner corner of the upper eyelid, sometimes on the lower eyelid. When palpated, the lesions feel firm or indurated, are usually symmetrically distributed, and are mostly multiple rather than solitary.

Approximately 50% of cases of eyelid xanthomas are associated with lipid disorders, including primary and secondary.

The disease can occur in both men and women, usually appearing between the ages of 35 and 55. The incidence in women is higher than in men, about 1.1% and 0.3% respectively.

How to remove eyelid xanthoma?

To remove yellow rash on the eyelids, Dr. Vu said that in addition to systemic measures such as changing lifestyle, controlling diet, increasing exercise, and taking lipid-lowering drugs as recommended by the doctor, patients may be prescribed laser, cryotherapy, and surgery.

Surgery alone can remove the xanthoma of the eyelids while achieving aesthetic results, including: simple xanthoma removal, removal combined with double eyelid surgery, or removal combined with double eyelid surgery with skin grafting or flap rotation in the defect area.

Dr. Vu cited a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health in 2020, which described a surgical technique that combined the use of an orbicularis oculi muscle flap to repair defects after removal of the eyelid xanthoma. The results showed that all patients were satisfied, with no recurrence or serious complications recorded.

Research at Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital (2023 - 2024) also showed that surgical treatment of xanthoma of the eyelid is safe, easy to perform, and brings good results, affirming the effectiveness and safety of the surgical method in treating xanthoma.

Dr. Vu said studies show that xanthogranuloma removal surgery combined with upper eyelid blepharoplasty is a safe and effective method that both solves aesthetic problems and improves the overall appearance of the eyes, especially in middle-aged and older people with excess upper eyelid skin.

However, patients need to be examined and carefully consulted by a specialist to come up with the most appropriate treatment plan, as well as control risk factors such as lipid disorders to minimize the risk of recurrence.

SPRING PLUM

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/mi-mat-noi-mang-mau-vang-coi-chung-roi-loan-lipid-mau-20250826173844564.htm