Cholesterol deposits, called xanthomas, occur when cholesterol builds up under the skin. A person should not try to break down cholesterol deposits. Instead, they should talk to a doctor who can remove the growth.
Cholesterol deposits are usually painless and can occur in many areas of the body. They can sometimes indicate that a person is at higher risk for certain health conditions.
People may want to remove cholesterol deposits for cosmetic reasons because they can become enlarged and uncomfortable. There are various ways to remove cholesterol deposits.
Read on to learn more about cholesterol deposits, including why people shouldn’t break them down and treatment options.
What is Cholesterol Accumulation? Cholesterol deposits are skin growths caused by the accumulation of cholesterol. They consist of foam cells containing cholesterol.
Cholesterol deposits can occur in many areas of the body, including the palms, soles, and eyelids.
Cholesterol deposits are benign, meaning they do not cause cancer or spread. However, the formation of cholesterol deposits can indicate unhealthy cholesterol levels in a person.
Cholesterol is a fat found in certain foods. The body uses cholesterol to make cells, vitamins, and hormones. However, high cholesterol levels can lead to health problems.
Can people develop cholesterol deposits?
Only a dermatologist or other doctor should remove cholesterol deposits. One should never try to hit them.
Little is known about the effects of collecting and breaking down cholesterol deposits in the blood. However, attempts to increase cholesterol accumulation can cause:
pain
infection
scarring
inflammation
Shock
bleeding
It’s important to note that certain health problems can cause cholesterol build-up, and trying to eliminate these increases won’t help treat their underlying cause.
