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Xanthomas (fatty bumps under the skin)

Also called: Xanthomas, fatty skin bumps

Yellow fatty bumps on skin or tendons, often a sign of high cholesterol or triglycerides.

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Overview

Xanthomas can appear on elbows, knees, tendons, or eyelids.

Very high cholesterol or triglycerides are often the cause.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Yellow bumps
  • Red spot, bump, or patch on the skin

Less common

  • Bumps on tendons

When to get medical care

Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todayNew or worse symptoms, or symptoms with fever.
See a doctor soonSymptoms that last or keep coming back.

Causes

High lipids.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
  • It can run in families. Tell your doctor if a parent, brother, or sister has it.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Family history

Possible complications

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • Lipid panel:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

  • Treat cholesterol

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

  • Control cholesterol

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to a dermatologist (skin doctor).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • Families with very high cholesterol: Screen children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Some skin medicines, like isotretinoin and retinoid creams, aren't safe in pregnancy.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treating cholesterol can shrink them.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

  • A list of your medicines and supplements
  • Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

  • What's causing this?
  • What treatment do you recommend?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Xanthomas (fatty bumps under the skin)

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.