Can Your Skin Show Signs Of High Cholesterol: Know Everything Here

High levels of cholesterol are quite a common problem among people today. Often no signs of high cholesterol or symptoms are visible, which makes the problem worse. The only way to know if you have a high cholesterol level is to get regular blood tests. 

You will only know your cholesterol levels are high when it leads to certain complications or through blood tests. However, in some cases, high cholesterol levels can lead to visible skin changes. Some of these include bumps on the skin, discoloration of certain points in the body, and yellowish patches on the skin. Keeping all that aside, you should first know what cholesterol is and why it is important for your body. 

What Is Cholesterol? 

Cholesterol is a kind of fat (lipid) that help our body build cell walls and make vitamin D. It also assists our body in regulating hormones and bile acid. It comes from two different sources: food and liver. First, the liver is responsible for creating cholesterol in our bodies. It takes care of the majority of our body's cholesterol requirements. Secondly, the food we eat is responsible for providing our body with the rest of the cholesterol.  

There are different types of cholesterol, LDL (Low-Density Lipids) and HDL (High-Density Lipids). The LDL is also known as the bad cholesterol, whereas HDL is the good cholesterol of our body. And when bad cholesterol levels rise, it can cause several serious health problems. These health problems include:

• Brain and heart stroke.
• Heart diseases.
• High blood pressure.
• Long-lasting kidney problems. 

How Much Cholesterol Level Is Too High?   

It is considered healthy if you get a blood test and your cholesterol level falls below 200 mg/dL. It is borderline high if it is between 200 to 250 mg/dL. And if your cholesterol level is 250 or higher, it is considered extremely high. 

The Effects Of High Cholesterol On Skin 

When your body has more than necessary cholesterol, it starts circulating in your bloodstream. A high cholesterol diet can lead to the collection of fatty deposits below the skin, which can make your skin look yellowish or orange. Also, it causes bumps to form on your skin. 

Read Also:- What Is High Cholesterol, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Other than arteries, cholesterol can also block small blood vessels in the body that are important for providing oxygen to the skin. It can also give way to skin problems like psoriasis. 

When the cholesterol plaque breaks in these tiny veins, it can cause ulcers and other such problems. The first step to solving the cholesterol issue is recognizing it. After that, you can proceed to treat the root cause of the problem. 

Types Of High Cholesterol Skin Problems 

Skin issues caused by high triglycerides and cholesterol levels can range anywhere from light to critical. Some of the most common signs of high cholesterol on the skin are:

Xanthoma

This skin problem generally affects the tissues below the skin, skin, and tendons. It can be divided into further categories like:

Eruptive xanthoma

The appearance of rashes and bumps on the skin with fatty deposits inside them is an indication of this type of skin problem. 

Tuberous or tendinous xanthomas 

Nodules that develop on the buttocks, knuckles, elbows, and knees are signs of tuberous. 

Verrucous xanthomas 

Warts on the inner side of your mouth or the genitals point toward this skin problem. 

Planar xanthomas

Leads to lightly raised patches on any body part.

Xanthelasma

Xanthelasma can cause the formation of yellowish-colored bumps around your eyes. Generally, it happens in the inner corners of the eyes and 

close to the nose. Also, it more commonly occurs on the upper eyelid instead of the lower lid. However, it can also affect both the lids.   

Psoriasis

It is an inflammatory skin problem that can lead to bumpy, itchy, and red patches on the skin. It happens because of the really fast turnover of your skin cells. Psoriasis is a long-term skin disease that makes our immune system attack our body and leads to an inflammatory response. This skin disease can cause problems with our blood vessels and raises problems related to the heart. 

If you have psoriasis, then it would be best for you to get your cholesterol level tested first.

Cholesterol embolism

A Cholesterol embolism is a skin issue where the cholesterol plaque breaks up and enters the large arteries. And then, they travel and enter blood vessels or small arteries and block them. It can stop the blood flow to that part of the body and cause damage to the skin. The symptoms of this skin problem are:

• Purple or blue-colored toes
• Discoloration of the skin
• Ulcers in the leg
• Livedo Reticularis
• Gangrene

When To Get In Touch With An Expert 

If you see kind of bumps or rashes on the skin or have a family history of high cholesterol, then you need to get tested as soon as possible. High cholesterol is a life-threatening problem that can cause heart or brain strokes. If you are older than twenty, then you should get a blood test after every five years. If you are an individual with a higher possibility of increased cholesterol levels, you should go for tests more often. 

Conclusion  

If you are unsure or have signs of high cholesterol, then you should book an appointment at Apprize Medical. We have facilities that include advanced laboratory testing and examination. Also, we can help you in getting the best treatment and results through our customized diet for high cholesterol plans. Our use of preventative and proactive medicine, along with cutting-edge treatment plans, can help you get the results that you desire. To help you, we have treatment plans such as personalized nutrition and weight management. Book an appointment now to get expert help in treating your cholesterol-related problems. 

FAQs

What foods raise cholesterol?

There are several foods that can raise your cholesterol levels. This includes foods with saturated fats and trans fat. If you lower your saturated fat intake by 7 percent, then it can help you reduce eight to ten percent of your cholesterol level. 

How long does it take to reduce cholesterol?

Lowering your cholesterol is going to take time. It is a natural process that can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months. The best way to lower your cholesterol naturally is through a healthy diet and regular workout for at least 30 minutes a day.  

How can I lower my cholesterol without medication?

You can naturally lower your cholesterol level with the help of a healthy diet and workout. It includes lowering your calorie intake, especially in foods that contain saturated and trans fats. Furthermore, you can reduce cholesterol levels by lowering your alcohol intake, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting appropriate sleep.