It appears more often in the female population. The yellow color is the result of local deposition of lipids and fatty products.
In some patients there are no differences in the values of fatty substances in the blood, and in others the appearance of xanthelasma is directly related to high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. They are found in those who suffer from diabetes, pancreatitis, cirrhosis of the liver. Consumption of fatty foods and alcohol and excess body weight also have an impact.
Interestingly, even when lipid levels are normalized by treatment and diets in xanthelasma, no change occurs.
Note that as this lipid deposition occurs under the skin, it also accumulates, even in larger amounts, around the blood vessels, especially those to the heart and brain.