High cholesterol is a silent disease that can affect a person without being noticed. Doctors confirm that this serious condition, which does not usually cause headaches, dizziness, or obvious physical signs, may still show effects on the face, especially around the eyes.
There are certain skin changes that can appear on the face and may indicate high cholesterol. It is important to pay attention to any changes, as they could be an early warning for heart and blood vessel health.
Symptoms of High Cholesterol
High cholesterol affects the heart and means an abnormal accumulation of fats in the arteries. It can also show up on the face in different ways, such as:
1. Soft Yellow Patches Around the Eyelids
According to Medical News Today, high cholesterol or triglycerides may (in some cases) appear as soft or slightly firm yellow patches or bumps on or near the eyelids. These deposits are medically called xanthelasma.
Doctors explain that these bumps often appear at the inner corner of the eye near the nose. In some cases, they affect the upper eyelid, while in others they appear on the lower eyelid. It is rare for them to appear on both eyelids at once.
Although these bumps are bothersome, they are not painful. The main issue is that they may interfere with vision, as they are not normal fat but cholesterol deposits that have built up over time.
2. Gray Ring Around the Cornea and Fat Rash
In addition to yellow patches, a report published by the Cleveland Clinic points to another possible sign of high cholesterol: a thin gray or white ring surrounding the cornea.
This ring usually appears in older adults and can be part of normal aging. But if it appears in a younger person, it may indicate high cholesterol levels.
3. Skin Rash
Doctors also mention another, less common sign: a rash on the face. It may appear as small pink or yellow bumps, and can also appear on the limbs. This condition is a sign of high cholesterol accompanied by diabetes. If untreated, it can lead to complications such as pancreatitis and heart disease.
Do These Signs Always Mean High Cholesterol?
Experts confirm that a person may have high cholesterol without showing any of the signs mentioned above. Therefore, they recommend not waiting for symptoms. Instead, a blood test known as a Lipid Panel should be done. It measures:
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Total cholesterol
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LDL (bad cholesterol)
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HDL (good cholesterol)
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Triglycerides
Treatment for High Cholesterol
Once high cholesterol is confirmed, treatment follows two paths: medication and lifestyle changes. Doctors recommend certain adjustments, including:
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Limiting foods high in saturated fats
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Eating a diet rich in fiber and vegetables
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Regular physical activity
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Quitting smoking
In addition, doctors may prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications or other drugs that target fats or LDL receptors in the liver, especially in severe or genetic cases. The goal is to return cholesterol levels to safe limits to protect the heart, arteries, and brain in the long term.
Do Facial Signs Disappear After Treatment?
Facial signs like xanthelasma do not usually disappear on their own. A specialist may be needed to remove them using different methods such as:
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Minor surgery
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Liquid nitrogen freezing
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Laser treatment
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Radiofrequency cautery
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Chemical peeling
Results are generally good, but more than one session may be needed. There is also a chance they may return if cholesterol levels are not well controlled.
When Should You Be Concerned?
Doctors emphasize that there is no need to panic if yellow patches appear around the eyes or a gray ring around the cornea. However, these signs should not be ignored. They are indicators of possible high cholesterol, which means potential negative effects on the heart.
It is important to visit a doctor and perform regular lipid blood tests, especially if there is a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease, or if you have diabetes, obesity, or high blood pressure.
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