Term: xanthelasma
Literally meaning: “a yellow plate”
Origin: Anc Greek
ξανθός/xanthos(=golden, yellow, blond)
+έλασμα/elasma(=beaten metal plate)
Coined/History
In 1877 by English surgeon and dermatologist Erasmus Wilson (1809-1884) and initially applied the term to any xanthoma (yellowish nodules).
Definition
Xanthelasma is the condition in which small yellowish plaques raised on the skin surface of the upper or lower eyelids most often near the inner canthus. Xanthelasma is primarily made up of cholesterol deposits with calcium salts.
