
Eruptive xanthomatosis
Eruptive xanthoma; Eruptive xanthomata; Xanthoma - eruptive; Diabetes - xanthomaEruptive xanthomatosis is a skin condition that causes small yellow-red bumps to appear on the body. It can occur in people who have very high blood fats (lipids). These patients also frequently have diabetes.
Causes
Eruptive xanthomatosis is a rare skin condition caused by excessively high lipids in the blood. It can occur in people with poorly-controlled diabetes who have very high triglycerides and high cholesterol.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a long-term (chronic) disease in which the body cannot regulate the amount of sugar in the blood.

Triglycerides
The triglyceride level is a blood test to measure the amount of triglycerides in your blood. Triglycerides are a type of fat. Your body makes some t...

Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fat (also called a lipid) that your body needs to work properly. Too much bad cholesterol can increase your chance of getting heart...

Cholesterol and triglycerides are types of fats that naturally occur in your blood. High levels increase the risk for heart disease and other health problems.
When diabetes is not well-controlled, there is less insulin in the body. Low insulin levels makes it harder for the body to break down fats in the blood. This increases the level of fats in the blood. The extra fat can collect under the skin to form small bumps (lesions).
Symptoms
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, the bumps may be itchy and tender. They tend to appear on the:
- Buttocks
- Shoulders
- Arms
- Thighs
- Legs
Exams and Tests
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
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a soft, wax-like substance found in all parts of the body. Your body needs a little bit of cholesterol to work properly. But too muc...
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Blood sugar test
A blood sugar test measures the amount of a sugar called glucose in a sample of your blood. Glucose is a major source of energy for most cells of the...
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Pancreatic function test
The secretin stimulation test measures the ability of the pancreas to respond to a hormone called secretin. The small intestine produces secretin wh...
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A skin biopsy may be done to help diagnose the condition.
Skin biopsy
A skin lesion biopsy is when a small amount of skin is removed so it can be examined. The skin is tested to look for skin conditions or diseases. A...

Treatment
Treatment for eruptive xanthomatosis involves lowering:
- Blood fats
- Blood sugar
Your health care provider will ask you to make changes in your lifestyle and diet. This can help lower high blood fats.
High blood fats
Your body needs cholesterol to work well. But cholesterol levels that are too high can harm you. Cholesterol is measured in milligrams per deciliter...

If you have diabetes, your provider will ask you to manage your blood sugar [pid=60&gid=000086] through diet, exercise, and medicines.
Manage your blood sugar
When you have diabetes, you should have good control of your blood sugar. If your blood sugar is not controlled, serious health problems called comp...

If lifestyle changes do not work, your provider may ask you to take medicines to help lower blood fat levels, such as:
- Statins
Statins
Statins are medicines that help lower the amount of cholesterol and other fats in your blood. Statins work by:Lowering LDL (bad) cholesterolRaising ...
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Fibrates
Fibrates are medicines prescribed to help lower high triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are a type of fat in your blood. Fibrates also may help rai...
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- Niacin
Niacin
Niacin is a B-vitamin. When taken as a prescription in larger doses, it can help lower cholesterol and other fats in your blood. Niacin helps:Raise...
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Bile acid resins
Bile acid sequestrants are medicines that help lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol. Too much cholesterol in your blood can stick to the walls of your a...
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The skin bumps go away by themselves after few weeks. They clear once the blood sugar and fat levels are under control.
Possible Complications
If not treated, high triglyceride levels can lead to pancreatitis.
Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is sudden swelling and inflammation of the pancreas.

When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if you:
- Have poor control of diabetes
- Notice yellowish-red bumps on your skin
Prevention
References
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 JJ, Piette WW, Rosenbach MA, Vleugels RA, eds. Dermatological Signs of Systemic Disease. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 26.
Fitzpatrick JE, High WA, Kyle WL. Yellow lesions. In: Fitzpatrick JE, High WA, Kyle WL, eds. Urgent Care Dermatology: Symptom-Based Diagnosis. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 33.
Patterson JW. Cutaneous infiltrates – nonlymphoid. In: Patterson JW, ed. Weedon's Skin Pathology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 40.
White LE, Horenstein MG, Shea CR. Xanthomas. In: Lebwohl MG, Heymann WR, Berth-Jones J, Coulson IH, eds. Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 256.
Xanthoma, eruptive - close-up - illustration
Xanthomas are firm, raised waxy-appearing papules or bumps, which may occur on the truck, arms, and legs, and may be skin-colored, pink, or even yellow. The presence of this type of skin lesion may be associated with abnormal levels of lipids, or fats, in the blood.
Xanthoma, eruptive - close-up
illustration
Xanthoma, eruptive - close-up - illustration
Xanthomas are firm, raised waxy-appearing papules or bumps, which may occur on the truck, arms, and legs, and may be skin-colored, pink, or even yellow. The presence of this type of skin lesion may be associated with abnormal levels of lipids, or fats, in the blood.
Xanthoma, eruptive - close-up
illustration
Review Date: 11/30/2018
Reviewed By: Michael Lehrer, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.