Xanthomas are yellowish, waxy deposits of lipid-laden macrophages in the skin and tendons — forming visible or palpable plaques, nodules, or tendon thickenings that indicate severely elevated circulating lipid levels. They are pathognomonic of severe hyperlipidaemia, particularly familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) — a genetic condition producing markedly elevated LDL cholesterol from birth. Types include xanthelasma (flat, yellowish deposits around the eyelids — most visible and common), tendon xanthomas (firm nodules palpable within the Achilles tendon and extensor tendons of the hands in FH), and eruptive xanthomas (crops of small yellowish papules on the buttocks and elbows from severe hypertriglyceridaemia).

What lifestyle changes can help with xanthomas?

Dietary modification reducing saturated fat and cholesterol. Statins reduce xanthoma formation over time in FH. Xanthelasma alone may occur with normal lipids and is often cosmetically removed.

What integrative approaches support xanthomas?

High-intensity statins have very strong evidence for FH management. PCSK9 inhibitors have strong evidence for FH not controlled by statins. LDL apheresis for homozygous FH.

When should I seek professional support for xanthomas?

Any xanthoma warrants prompt doctor assessment with full fasting lipid profile. FH is confirmed with genetic testing and requires specialist lipidology management.

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Xanthomas

Yellowish, fatty deposits in or under the skin — a visible sign of severely elevated blood lipids, particularly in familial hypercholesterolaemia.

Understand what may be causing this

Reviewed by Internal Medical Editorial Team · Integrative Health Content Review26 March 2026Strong Evidence

Quick answer

Yellowish, fatty deposits in or under the skin — a visible sign of severely elevated blood lipids, particularly in familial hypercholesterolaemia.

Recognition

Do any of these feel familiar?

Yellowish plaques around the eyes (xanthelasma), firm nodules felt within the Achilles tendon, or yellowish papular deposits on the buttocks — often noticed incidentally.

What is Xanthomas?

Yellowish, fatty deposits in or under the skin — a visible sign of severely elevated blood lipids, particularly in familial hypercholesterolaemia.

Approaches Commonly Explored

Commonly explored for conditions related to Xanthomas, grouped by mechanism — select your subtype above to highlight the most relevant path.

Integrates across:HolisticAlternative

How to use these approaches

🛡 Stabilise— Immediate relief

⚖️ Regulate— System balancing

🌱 Resolve— Root cause

✦ Sustain— Long-term

Most people begin with Stabilise approaches, then progress toward Resolve and Sustain.

Autonomic Mechanism

Autonomic nervous system — sympathetic / parasympathetic balance.

Not sure what this means for you?

Ask Vidi to help you understand Xanthomas and find what may be most relevant for your situation.

Self-care

What You Can Do Now

Self-directed strategies that may support Xanthomas alongside professional care.

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Xanthomas

Do any of these feel familiar?

Approaches Commonly Explored

Plant-Based Diet

Nutrition Planning

Raw Food Diet

What You Can Do Now

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This symptom is often connected to

Hypercholesterolaemia

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About Xanthomas

Integrative Approaches & Evidence

When to Seek Support

Frequently Asked Questions

References