eruptive xanthoma

Last edited 03/2021 and last reviewed 01/2023

Eruptive xanthomas occur as sudden crops of small, yellow or yellowish brown papules encircled by an erythematous halo that wax and wane according to variations in plasma triglyceride and lipid content. They occur in hyperlipoproteinaemia types I, IIB, III, IV and V and in association with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.

• associated with severe hypertriglyceridemia above 2,000 mg/dl (1) (51 mmol/l)

Frequently, they are to be found on the buttocks, posterior thighs, knees and elbows.

Click here for an example image of this condition

Reference:

• Lee SY, Seth CA.Eruptive xanthoma associated with severe hypertriglyceridemia and poorly controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus.J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect. 2019; 9(4): 344-346.