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Xanthoma |
Xanthoma |
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| Introduction |
| Do you experience bumps on your skin or have you ever seen anyone with bumps and swells on their skin. This condition of the skin is referred as xanthoma. Xanthoma means yellow tumor. Xanthoma is a skin condition when fat is deposited underneath the skin. Xanthoma is a skin disorder which can occur on any part of the body. Xanthomas are tough but painless and non-cancerous. Their shape and size can vary to 3 inches in diameter. These are the simple deposits of fats under the superficial layer of the skin. They can occur anywhere on the body but usually the most common sights are knees, elbows, buttocks and hands. Usually the joints are targeted. Some people think of xanthomas as cancerous but they are not. The type of xanthoma which appears on the eye lids is known as xanthelasma palpebra. If they are found on face, they are usually near the eyes or nose area. There are many types of xanthomas such as, eruptive xanthoma, tendinous xanthoma, tuberous xanthoma, Subperiosteal and osseous xanthomas and xanthelasma. Each of the type is specified by their distinct characteristics. When xanthomas are present in numerous numbers it is called xathomatosis. It is a curable skin disorder. |
| Alternative Names |
| Xanthoma is also known as growths-fatty. Xanthelasma is also another name given to xanthoma. |
| Causes |
| The cause of xanthoma is the high fat level in blood. As the level of fat rises in the blood, it is deposited underneath the skin, which appears as xanthoma. The appearance of xanthoma can be considered as an indication of the elevated cholesterol level in blood. This condition is not a dangerous one itself but it may have some other things behind it such as it can be an indication of diabetes or some other type of cancer. When triglycerides are increased it may cause xanthomas. Sometimes high tendency of cholesterol which may be inherited from generation to generation can cause this skin condition. |
| Risk Factors |
| People with high level of cholesterol are more prone to xanthomas.
People of old age fall a victim to xanthoma. Young people are more active than the older people so there is a less chance of developing xanthoma.
People who have hypercholesterolemia can also notice such skin lesions. |
| Symptoms & Signs |
| As the name suggests xanthomas are yellow. Small bumps may appear on the skin. They have flat surface. They are soft and not hard. Their shape is very prominent along with their margins or outlines. Skin lesions and nodules are noticed. If the xanthomas are noticed near the area of the eye it indicates that this is xanthelasma. |
| Diagnosis |
| The diagnosis of the xanthoma can be made by the physical check up. The biopsy can add further assistance. Ultra sound magnetic resonance, imaging or CT scans can also help. |
| Prevention |
| Try to maintain a normal blood level.
Don’t have food rich in fats and lipids, which are the main causes of xanthomas.
Treatment of any underlying cause can prevent from this condition. |
| Treatment |
| There are some natural supplements which can help in treatment of xanthoma. |
| Primary Natural Supplements |
| Herbs
Vitamins
Quasi Vitamins
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| Other Natural Supplements |
- Essential fatty acids (e.g. flaxseed, borage etc).
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| Dietary Guidelines |
- Avoid red meat.
- Concentrate on diet with low fats.
- Eat vegetables and fruits frequently.
- Simple diet is best; do not include rich items in your daily diet.
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| Home Care Suggestions |
- Avoid all sort of food containing high levels of fat, especially the fried items.
- Quit smoking.
- Try to maintain your cholesterol level as it can save you from many other diseases.
- Restrict yourself to minimum intake of alcohol, or if possible, quit it at once.
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| Mind/Body Considerations |
| Aim to have balance in your mind and body by exercising daily and keep your life simple to avoid tension and stress. Wake up early morning for walking and for exercising as it is the best time to do these activities. Adopt all such activities that help to burn fats, as much as possible. For example try to walk instead of using car, for short distances. |
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