Eruptive xanthomatosis

Eruptive xanthomatosis is a rare skin condition caused by an excessively high triglyceride level in the blood. It can occur in people with poorly-controlled diabetes or in people who take some medicines, such as isotretinoin, estrogens, and cyclosporine, which can increase the triglyceride levels. Cholesterol and…

The skin bumps may vary in color from yellow, orange-yellow, red-yellow, to red. A small red halo may form around the bump. The bumps are: Pea-sized Waxy Firm While harmless by themselves, the bumps may be itchy and tender. They tend to appear on the: Buttocks Shoulders Arms Thighs Legs

Your health care provider will take your medical history and examine your skin. You may have the following blood tests: Blood test for cholesterol and triglycerides Blood sugar test for diabetes Pancreatic function test A skin biopsy may be done to help diagnose the condition.

Treatment for eruptive xanthomatosis involves lowering: Blood triglyceride Blood sugar Stopping or decreasing the dose of culprit medicines Your provider will ask you to make changes in your lifestyle and diet. This can help lower high blood fats . If you have diabetes, your provider will ask you to manage your blood…

If not treated, high triglyceride levels can lead to pancreatitis .

Contact your health care provider if you: Have poor control of diabetes Notice yellowish-red bumps on your skin

Control of blood fats and blood sugar can help prevent this condition. Follow your provider's treatment recommendations.

Ahn CS, Yosipovitch G, Huang WW. Diabetes and the skin. In: Callen JP, Jorizzo JL, Zone JJ, Piette WW, Rosenbach MA, Vleugels RA, eds. Dermatological Signs of Systemic Disease. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 24. Braunstein I. Cutaneous manifestations of lipid disorders. In: Callen JP, Jorizzo JL, Zone…