Periorbital Hyperpigmentation in Patients with Xanthelasma Palpebrarum: An Interesting Observation

Background: Xanthelasma palpebrarum refers to xanthomas that occur more often near the inner canthus of the eyelid. Periorbital hyperpigmentation presents as a dark area surrounding the eyelids. Objective: In the present study, the authors examined the prevalence and the associated factors of periorbital hyperpigmentation among patients with xanthelasma. Methods: One hundred and fourteen patients with xanthelasma palpebrarum were examined for the presence of dark circles. Detailed questionnaires regarding the history of diabetes, hypothyroidism, smoking status, and weight were completed by all patients. They were also tested for serum lipids (cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, apolipoprotein A and apolipoprotein B). Results: From the 114 patients with xanthelasma, 94 (82.4%) were diagnosed with periorbital hyperpigmentation. At the time of the survey, 46 patients were smokers (48.9%), 23 of them had hypothyroidism (24.4%), and 16 patients were obese (17%). Only four patients had a history of diabetes. Cholesterol levels were elevated in 65 patients (69.1%). In 52 patients (55.3%), low-density lipoprotein was increased and in 51 patients (54.2%), both cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein were elevated. Apolipoprotein A was increased in 35 patients (37.2%), whereas apolipoprotein B was increased in 23 patients (24.4%). Conclusions: This study showed that a significant number of patients with xanthelasma exhibited periorbital hyperpigmentation. Smoking, obesity, and hyperlipidemia were observed in these patients.