Xanthelasma is a type of skin condition that causes the formation of cholesterol deposits below the skin. The most common location for these deposits is the inner part of the eyelid, resulting in typically unsightly bumps of fat.

One of the main causes of the condition is excessive amounts of LDL (low density lipoprotein, also referred to as the bad cholesterol) in the body. For this reason, anyone diagnosed with xanthelasma should get their blood cholesterol levels checked in order to determine the best course of treatment.

Other causes if xanthelasma include genetic predisposition, diabetes and liver disease among others.

banana

Research shows that xanthelasma is most common in people aged between 40 and 60 years, and this often overlaps with a number of the aforementioned conditions. One of the most obvious signs of the condition is the appearance of the yellowish spots around the eyelids. While this condition does not typically cause itchiness or pain, it is known to cause disfigurement of the face, and in some cases, may prevent proper vision if the bump grows too big.

Treatment options are varied, but this rarely includes surgery owing to the bumps close proximity to the eyes. If you are concerned that the bumps may affect your vision, book an appointment with your dermatologist to establish the most effective medical intervention. In mild cases however, the regular use of the home remedies listed below will go a long way in reducing the stark appearance of xanthelasma while boosting your confidence. Note that if you have any doubts about a specific remedy, it is best to check with your doctor to avoid skin reactions for which the price to pay could be scars.


1. Raw Garlic:

Time Required: 30 Min
What You Need: 3 Cloves of garlic, pestle and mortar, gauze and warm water.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Garlic is the world’s best home remedy for the natural treatment of xanthelasma. Research shows that garlic’s ability to lower the levels of cholesterol in the body has a direct bearing on the appearance of these cholesterol bumps in the upper eyelid. The active ingredients present in the garlic lower the biosynthesis of cholesterol by the liver thanks to the high amounts of water-soluble sulfur compounds in the cloves. Additionally, garlic is also rich in enzymes that go a long way in flattening the unsightly cholesterol deposits. There are two important things to note when using this remedy: first, do not leave the garlic remedy on the skin for a prolonged period of time as this could cause a burning sensation on the skin. Secondly, this remedy is not recommended for those with sensitive skin to avoid irritation.

Follow the simple directions below to use garlic as a natural remedy and help eliminate xanthelasma.

Directions:

  1. Peel the garlic cloves and wash well to get rid of dirt. This is an important step because the remedy will be applied on the skin near the eyes.
  2. Chop the garlic into small pieces and then transfer to the mortar.
  3. Pound the chopped garlic with the pestle until you have a paste-like substance.
  4. Apply the garlic paste on the part of the skin where the xanthelasma has created deposits of cholesterol.
  5. Massage the skin gently- avoid doing so aggressively to avoid creating a burning sensation.
  6. Place the gauze on the garlic paste and leave it covered for about 20 minutes.
  7. Rinse the garlic paste off using warm water, taking care not to touch the eyes with the paste.
  8. Use this remedy once daily until the bumps start to shrink.
  9. It also helps to add garlic to your diet to help reduce cholesterol levels in the body, and therefore reduce the likelihood of xanthelasma.

 


2. Fenugreek seeds:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: 1 tablespoon of fenugreek seeds and 1 glass of water.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Fenugreek seeds are an excellent choice of home remedy for the natural treatment of xanthelasma. Just like garlic, these seeds are known to be rich in healing properties that reduce the size of the cholesterol deposits until, after regular use, these deposits disappear completely. The most important thing when it comes to this remedy is to be consistent. Follow the easy steps below to get the best out of this remedy. There are two ways you may prepare the fenugreek seeds: through oral consumption or topical application.

Directions:

  1. Place the fenugreek seeds in a glass of water and stir.
  2. Leave the mixture to soak overnight.
  3. Strain the mixture and drink the water first thing in the morning.
  4. Do this on an empty stomach to ensure maximum absorption and efficiency.
  5. Use this remedy daily to lower the amount of bad cholesterol in the body.
  6. Alternatively, soak the seeds as described in steps and 2 above and then use the water to massage the affected part of the eyelid.
  7. Do this gently to avoid exerting undue pressure.
  8. This has the advantage of allowing the skin to absorb the remedy’s healing properties and help shrink the cholesterol-laden skin patches.
  9. Use this remedy daily for best results.

 


3. Onions:

Time Required: 10 Min
What You Need: 1 medium sized onion, clan piece of cloth, a pinch of salt, cotton wool, gauze and warm water to rinse.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Onions are a kitchen staple that have excellent benefits for the natural treatment of xanthelasma. Just like garlic, onions are rich in sulfur compounds that work in the body to prevent the bad cholesterol from accumulating in the body, and therefore causing deposits on the eyelid. Another great benefit of using onions for this treatment is that they are acidic in nature. This acidity rejuvenates the skin and goes a long way in flattening the raised deposits. You will need to extract the onion juice for topical application. Exercise some caution, however, to prevent the onion juice from entering the eyes as this easily results in eye injuries.

Directions:

  1. Peel and clean the onion before cutting into small pieces.
  2. Add a pinch of salt to the onions. This is done to help draw water and the onions’ active ingredients.
  3. You will then place the chopped onion on a clean piece of cloth and then tie the opposite ends so that you have a pack of sorts.
  4. Pull these ends as tightly as possible, tugging the pack in opposite directions to release the juice from the onion pieces.
  5. Collect the juice in a clean bowl and then soak the wool for a few minutes.
  6. Use the wet wool to apply the onion juice on the affected skin.
  7. Massage for a few minutes and then leave it on overnight.
  8. Since this may easily flow to the eyes, it is advisable to wrap the wet wool with gauze to hold it in place.
  9. Rinse the skin the next morning using warm water.
  10. Repeat this remedy daily until you notice an improvement on the affected skin.
  11. You may also compliment this remedy by increasing your intake of raw onion to help keep cholesterol levels in check.

 


4. Castor Oil:

Time Required: 10 Min
What You Need: A shallow bowl containing some castor oil, cotton wool, bandage and warm water.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Castor oil has immense benefits for the natural treatment of xanthelasma. The main active ingredient in the oil is known as ricinoleic acid. When exposed to the bumpy deposits of cholesterol in the eyelid, the oil is absorbed by the skin and helps shrink these unsightly deposits. To get the best out of this remedy, it is best to apply the oil regularly. Note however, that the oil is most effective at the onset of the condition. Larger cholesterol deposits may require a combination of castor oil and any other remedies mentioned in the list.

Directions:

  1. Place the cotton wool in the bowl and soak it for a few minutes.
  2. Squeeze gently to get rid of the excess oil before applying on the skin patches.
  3. Do this with your eyes closed to prevent the oil from entering the eye.
  4. Massage the oil for a few minutes and leave it to dry overnight.
  5. It helps to secure the wet wool with bandage overnight to allow maximum absorption.
  6. The next morning, simply remove the bandage and used wool and wash the skin with warm water.
  7. Repeat this remedy daily until the deposits have shrunk significantly and you are satisfied with the progress made.

 


5. Fresh Banana Peels:

Time Required: 10 Min
What You Need: Ripe banana peels, bandage and warm water.
Difficulty: Easy

 

One of the simplest home remedies for the treatment of xanthelasma is fresh banana peels. The peels are packed with potent antioxidants that not only break down the lumpy deposits of cholesterol, but also help the skin recover without scarring. This safe and simple home remedy is convenient and effective. For this remedy, you will need to use the inside part of the peel as described in the steps below.

Directions:

  1. Chop a small piece of the banana peel and clean the outer surface well to prevent introducing dirt to the eyes.
  2. Place the inner part of the peel on the cholesterol lumps and massage for a few minutes.
  3. To get the most benefits from the banana peel, simply bandage it to hold it securely and leave it overnight.
  4. This is recommended because there is minimal disturbance at night.
  5. Remove the bandage the next day and rinse the skin with warm water.
  6. Use this remedy consistently until you are able to shrink the fatty deposits.

 


6. Increased Citrus Fruits Intake:

Time Required: Varies, but typically 5-10 Min as the fruits are easy to eat.
What You Need: Choice of citrus fruits. These include lemons, limes, oranges and tangerines.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Increasing your daily intake of citrus fruits is helpful in the natural treatment of xanthelasma. This is attributed to the fruits’ ability to lower the amount of LDL (low density lipprotein, commonly referred to as the ‘bad cholesterol’) in the body over a period of time. This works by preventing excess LDL from getting deposited in different parts of the body, among them the eyelids. Different studies show a direct connection between Vitamin C (found in high concentration in citrus fruits) and low amounts of cholesterol in the body. The most important thing to note with this remedy is that results may take longer to show than in the case of conventional medicines, so you need to be consistent to see progress.

Directions:

  1. Consider adding the fruits to your daily diet.
  2. You may also opt to prepare fresh fruit juice without any additives to help the body lower the amount of cholesterol in circulation.

 


7. Wet Teabag:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: 1 Teabag and warm water.
Difficulty: Easy

 

The use of a teabag compress is yet another simple remedy used for the management of xanthelasma. This remedy is recommended because it has antioxidants which help prevent skin damage without the formation of scars. In addition to this, the teabag compress is known to shrink the cholesterol deposits over a period of time, even preventing them from recurring.

Directions:

  1. Steep the teabag in 1/2 cup of water for 20 minutes.
  2. Remove the teabag, squeeze the excess water and allow to cool.
  3. Apply the compress on the cholesterol deposits and leave on for a couple of minutes.
  4. Rinse the skin with warm water.
  5. Use this remedy twice daily.

 


8. Reduce Dietary Cholesterol Intake:

Time Required: Varies depending on one’s eating habits.
What You Need: To consciously manage the amount of dietary cholesterol.
Difficulty: Easy

 

The golden rule in the management of xanthelasma, in addition to the aforementioned remedies, involves checking on the amount of cholesterol in your diet. High levels of cholesterol in high-fat foods will simply increase the size of the fatty deposits with the added risk of cardiovascular diseases. Below are some handy tips to consider when managing your diet.

Helpful Tips:

  1. Cut out the amount of deep-fried and processed foods in your meals. These are laden with LDL, the bad cholesterol that is known to cause xanthelasma.
  2. Instead, opt for a diet whose foods are low in saturated fats.
  3. Use healthy oils when cooking. Coconut oil is a perfect example of this as it is both an anti-inflammatory and rich in HDL (high density cholesterol) that is referred to as the good cholesterol.
  4. Avoid high carbohydrate foods as these contribute to increased cholesterol levels (LDL) in the body.
  5. Overall, maintain a balanced diet and watch your weight. Obesity has previously been linked to high cholesterol levels in the body.

 


Managing xanthelasma using natural remedies takes a considerable period of time. In case of any concerns, you may want to take a lipid profile test to determine your cholesterol levels and help chart the way forward.