The skin has curious ways of revealing the state of internal health, even signalling cholesterol through the epidermis.
High cholesterol is widespread in the UK, yet a great number of Britons are unaware they’re at risk of a cardiac event.
The condition is notoriously hard to spot, but a doctor has warned a key warning sign can show up on the skin.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr Scott Walter recently explained why xanthelasma – describing yellow growths – are surefire signs of an internal issue.
He told his viewers: “Have you ever seen yellow spots around your eyes? This is xanthelasma.
“It’s one of the many ways your skin can tell you there may be something going wrong inside your body.”
The skin condition produces slightly raised bumps or yellow plaques, typically around the eyes.
“They often start in your 30s or 40s and are three times more common in women, but here is why you should recognise them,” Dr Walter said.
“The majority of the time, they occur when you have hyperlipidemia or high cholesterol.
“They’re also an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis, meaning a build-up of plaque in your blood vessels, which can lead to things like heart attack.
“When I encounter these in my patients I always recommend treating the underlying cholesterol issues.”
Although xanthelasma is a clear indicator of high cholesterol, it’s important to remember that high cholesterol is often asymptomatic.
This underscores the importance of regular cholesterol screenings when you visit your GP.
“You can only find out if you have it from a blood test,” the NHS notes.
The health body also cautions: “You’re more likely to get high cholesterol if you’re over 50, a man, you’ve been through menopause, or you’re of South Asian or sub-Saharan African origin. It can also run in families.
“It can also be caused by eating fatty food, not exercising enough, being overweight, smoking and drinking alcohol.”
