Hyperlipidaemia: Xanthomata

Key points

• Palmar xanthoma: remnant hyperlipidaemia (less commonly familial hypercholesterolaemia).
• Eruptive xanthoma (high triglycerides; red/yellow vesicles on extensor surfaces — elbows, knees): familial hypertriglyceridaemia · lipoprotein lipase deficiency.
• Tendon xanthoma, tuberous xanthoma, xanthelasma: familial hypercholesterolaemia · remnant hyperlipidaemia.
• Xanthelasma also occurs without lipid abnormalities; treatment options: surgical excision · topical trichloroacetic acid · laser · electrodesiccation.