Having a healthy liver is an integral part of maintaining your overall well-being. Unfortunately, however, 5.5 million Americans are currently living with chronic liver disease or cirrhosis, says the American Liver Foundation — a number that includes many people who don’t realize they have a problem.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “liver disease does not always cause visible signs and symptoms,” which allows it to go unnoticed by patients and doctors alike. That’s why it’s so important to know the symptoms of a liver problem if they occur. In addition to the more traditional liver symptoms like jaundice, abdominal pain, leg swelling, itchy skin and more, the Cleveland Clinic says there’s one symptom to watch out for around the eyes. Their experts warn that if you notice this particular symptom, there is a high probability that the liver is to blame.
If you notice patches of plaque around your eyes, go for a liver check
If you notice yellow plaque deposits under the skin near your eyes, experts say you could be showing a sign of liver disease. The condition is known as xanthelasma: deposits of cholesterol under the skin that are thought to be the result of high cholesterol and dysregulated lipid metabolism.
Several forms of liver disease can lead to dysregulation of lipid metabolism, but a 2009 report in the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine (CCJM) specifically points to cholestatic liver disease as the most common culprit in cases of xanthelasma. “Studies suggest that total plasma cholesterol levels are elevated in up to 50 percent of patients with compromised liver function,” the CCJM report states. “Up to half of those with xanthelasma have high cholesterol,” adds the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), according to bestlife.com
It can also signal other dangerous conditions
Although xanthelasma is most commonly associated with liver disease, the American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that other organs can also be compromised when these lesions are present. “Xanthelasma can signal that cholesterol is building up in the blood vessels. This blocks blood flow and can lead to a stroke or heart attack,” the AAO website states.
In fact, a 2011 study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) found that men aged 70 to 79 who developed xanthelasma had a 12% higher risk of heart disease than men who did not. developed it independently of other risk factors such as obesity and high cholesterol. For this reason, you should talk to your doctor not only about the health of your liver, but also about the whole range of possible meanings behind these lesions.
Here’s how to recognize this symptom
The lesions are usually flat or slightly raised, white or yellow in color. They most commonly appear directly under or above the eyes, on the eyelids – usually originating in the inner corners of the eye area. The bumps tend to be painless and soft, with well-defined borders, and sometimes grow in a tube shape rather than appearing as individual spots. The CCJM report notes that these signs “may increase over the course of weeks.”
Treatments are available for xanthelasma
If your doctor confirms that you have xanthelasma, there are two main ways you can fight this symptom. First, you’ll need to treat the underlying hyperlipidemia — that is, the buildup of cholesterol in the blood — with cholesterol-lowering medications.
Then, you can work with a dermatologist to minimize the appearance of the lesions themselves, the AAO says. “Xanthelasma do not go away on their own. They tend to stay the same size or get bigger,” explains the health organization. Their experts note that some of the possible cosmetic treatment options may include laser surgery, cryotherapy, “traditional skin removal and repair surgery,” electroneedle surgery, or chemical peels. However, they note that xanthelasma can return after surgery if the underlying cause remains.
Talk to your doctor now if you notice this strange skin symptom.
2023-12-06 20:43:48
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