Mar 24, 2024, 05:53 PM IST

High cholesterol: 10 warning signs that appear on your skin

Shweta Singh

Raised, yellowish patches, known as xanthomas, can appear on the skin. They often develop around the eyes, elbows, knees, or buttocks.

Yellowish bumps

This is known as corneal arcus, and it can indicate high cholesterol levels.

Pale or white rings around the cornea

This is called an arcus senilis and can be a sign of high cholesterol, particularly in people under 40.

Grayish-white ring around the iris

High levels of cholesterol can sometimes manifest as a yellowish tint to the skin, particularly on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet.

Yellowish-orange discoloration of the skin

Elevated cholesterol levels can lead to dry, itchy skin, which may be a result of decreased blood flow to the skin.

Itchy skin

These are small, flesh-colored growths that can appear on the skin, particularly in areas where the skin folds, such as the neck, armpits, or groin.

Skin tags

Sometimes, high cholesterol can cause deposits of cholesterol to accumulate in the skin's blood vessels, leading to purplish or reddish lesions.

Reddish-purple lesions

These can develop when cholesterol deposits block blood flow to certain areas of the skin, causing pain or tenderness.

Painful bumps on the skin

High cholesterol levels can sometimes cause patches of skin to become discolored, appearing darker or lighter than the surrounding skin.

Skin discoloration